

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 


Cliap. Cop.yrio;ht No. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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SERIOUS 


COMPLICATIONS 


M. FRANCES HANFORD-DELANOY 

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY 
MARION HANFORD EDDY 


THE 

Hbbey press 

PUBLISHERS 

114 

FIFTH AVENUE 

Conaoti NEW YORK IRontreal 


3815 


Librar’y of Congreaa 
Two C()p[E^ f^ccEiveo 

JAN 8 1901 

SECOND COPY 

0«<w«km( to 

0R0£« OfVISlOH 

JAN 25 1901 


■PZ3 

■.B'STaS' 


Copyright, 1900, 
by 

THE 

Bbbc7 press 





TO 

MARION HANFORD EDDY, 

to whom sfhe is indebted for the illustrations, and many suggestions (particu- 
larly in the “building up” of the characters, “Fritz” and “Molly”) while 
engaged upon this work; and also to Miss Dolly Chapman, Miss Belle Mc- 
Currie, Miss Edith Cook, Mr. Ben Ramsdell, Mr. Van Britton, Mr. Frank 
Bouterious, Mr. Frank Cleaves, and Mr. George Hermance, Miss Eva Fabens, 
Miss Eva Falkinham, Mr. Fred Henkenius, Dr. Eichwaldt, Mr. Fred. W. 
Delanoy, Mr. Harry Lally and Mr. Chas. Storey, this book is dedicated! 


BY^THE AUTHOR. 


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M. FRANCES H ANFORD-DELANO Y. 




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BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE. 


M. Frances Hanford -Delanoy wrote her first story at 
the age of fifteen years, while a student at Clinton, 
N. Y., and entered it in a class contest for a prize, which 
was awarded to her. Later, this story — ^^Tribulations 
of an Elderly Maiden’’ — appeared in a Utica paper. Re- 
turning to her home in Chicago, she entered a college 
for young ladies, where she again carried off the prize 
for a composition, entitled “A Dream,” which she read 
in class, and was afterward called upon to read before 
the students, from the rostrum of the Assembly Hall.” 
She was married at an early age, and, soon of ter, ^re- 
moved to California, where she has since resided. Fol- 
lowing the advice of friends, she wrote descriptive 
sketches, notes, and comments for *a time, under the 
pen name “Marie Francis.” Some years ago she met 
with a painful accident, which has since confined her 
closely to her home. During many weary months, 
while reclining on her couch, using a lapboard for a 
table, she, with pencil and posters, circulars, old envel- 
opes, wrapping paper and any available material wrote 
humorous stories and sketches, under the pseudonym 
‘‘Mehitable Yaeger.” Going into the country, she began 
writing longer stories. Most of her stories are woven 
from fragments of dreams, and from circumstances 
which have come under her observation. Once a story 
was begun, she worked upon it indefatigably, until it 
was completed in pencil, laid it away and rested until 
the spirit moved” to begin again. 

Lately she has had these penciling s copied into MS. 
for the publishers, but her hand and pencil are seldom 
idle. Mrs. Hanford-Delanoy is descended through 
Thomas Hanford of colonial times, from Sir John Han- 
ford, {knight) of Stockport Castle {dating from the 
eleventh century) in Cheshire, England. The Hanford 
motto, carved in stone over the door of the ancient 
mansion at the junction of the Avon and Severn is 
**Honorare Novissema.” 


THE PUBLISHERS. 






LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 


M. Frances Hanford-Delanoy Frontispiece 

PAGE 

Nellie Raleigh i8 

Cora Abbott 39 

“ Love Cannot Hide Itself” 

‘ Restores natural color/ — It might turn it red ” 57 ^ 

One, two, three, — My, I’m ’most as young as Tom! 69 

“ 1 — I — won’t let you make love to the widow — so 

there!” 86 

Mine gracious, Meeses Raleigh ! you vas not dressed for 

company ! ” 1 1 2 

Dot vas just it. I do get de vorst of it ” 147 

“ Oh, Robert, there’s some one coming ! ” 177 




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CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

I. The New Arrival 9 

II. Some Introductions 21 

III. Pairing Off 24 

IV. Schemes 28 

V. A Mistaken Proposal 50 

VI. A Young Old Man. 57 

VII. A Tangle 63 

VIII. Two Announcements 81 

IX. In a Fix 92 

X. The Widow 95 

XI. Tom’s Father 10 1 

XII. The Arrival 109 

XIII. First Impressions 113 

XIV. The Widow Expresses Her Views 119 

XV. Mrs. Raleigh and Mr. Abbott 122 

XVI. Bob and the Widow 126 

XVII. The “Lunatic” 134 

XVIII. Fritz’s Account of It 145 

XIX. The Lovers are Parted 152 

XX. The Escape 157 

XX. I Maude’s Letter 160 

XXII. Another Announcement 163 

XXIII. Tom and Nellie Elope 171 

XXIV. Matrimony on a Grand Scale 175 


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SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS 


CHAPTER I. 

THE NEW ARRIVAL. 

Abbott's Station^ sir.^' 

The conductor waved one hand toward a gentle- 
man, and with the other, pulled the bell cord. 
^'Only stop a second, sir.'' 

^^Toot — toot," whistled the engine, ‘^clang — 
clang," sounded the bell in response to the con- 
ductor's signal, and the person addressed, gath- 
ered up his belongings, and started for the door. 
The train slowed down, and the passenger stepped 
from the platform of the car to the platform of a 
private station, on the property of Mr. Paul 
Abbott, a country gentleman. 

^Tuff — ^puff," went the engine before the wheels 
had fairly stopped turning, away went the train, 
and was soon out of sight. 

9 


Serious ComplicationiS* 

Our traveler was Mr. Eobert Corson^ or (as he 
was familiarly called) Bob Corson, late from 
Australia, but just now out from New York, 
where he had arrived on business matters. His 
sister lived in California, and he had suddenly 
made up his mind to cross the continent, and drop 
in upon her unannounced. 

^^Not a soul in sighV^ said he, as he looked 
about. ^^Hanged if I know whether to go north, 
east, south, or west. There’s a road over there, 
that appears to be well traveled, — guess 111 stay 
here, — somebody will show up between now and 
sundown.” 

Turning about, his eyes fell on a miscellaneous 
assortment of boxes, barrels, and bundles piled on 
the other end of the platform. 

^^Hello,” he exclaimed, ^^guess somebody orders 
goods at wholesale in this region,— 111 investi- 
gate.” Suiting the action to the words, he clam- 
bered about and read the names on the various 
pieces of freight. 

At last, the address on two boxes and a barrel 
C^Mrs. L. C. Ealeigh, Magnolia Villa, Abbott’s 
Station,”) caught his eye. ^^Luck attends me,” 
he said; ^^somebody will come for this plunder — 
I’ll make myself as comfortable as possible, 
until that somebody shows up, and then I’ll 
JO 


T^he New AftivaL 


gc along with the rest of the baggage. I came 
to surprise Laura, and I guess I’ll do it with a 
vengeance.” 

Laying his grip on the end of the bench, he 
took from his pocket a cigar and lighted it. 

Stretching himself out, and using his grip for a 
pillow, he prepared to pass the time until some 
cne appeared, of whom he could inquire the way 
to Mrs. Ealeigh’s house. 

The day was perfect; the air was odorous with ^ 

the mingled perfumes of wild honeysuckle, alfalfa, V 

and orange blossoms. Half hidden by trees and 
shrubbery, here and there appeared a dwelling ; 

^^Which one,” thought Bob, as he smoked his 
cigar and looked about, ^^is sister Laura’s? The 
next time I undertake to surprise anybody in the 
country. I’ll not land myself at a wayside station; 
don’t think this bench would make a very comfort- 
able bed; I don’t think I would enjoy spending 
the night here, and I don’t believe that I would 
particularly like making the circuit of this region 
on foot either. Oh, well. I’ll get there all right.” 

He threw away the stump of his cigar, spread his 
handkerchief over his face, and while waiting for 
some one to come along, fell asleep. 

Time passed. 

^^Hi dere, you Bill, — steadty now, — I vas not 

ft 


Serious Complications* 


vant your feet in dees vagon, — vat’s de madder 
mit you?” 

Bob sat up and rubbed his eyes, and listened. 

^^You vas jump oud your skhin for vone leedle 
horsefly ven he bide mit de mout — I tink ven one 
dose leedle peesy bees vas do de peesness mit you 
— ^you tink you sit mit me dees seadt on, don’t 
it? hi now!” 

^^Helloa! Helloa!” called out Bob. 

^^Whow dere, you Bill.” 

Eunning to the corner of the station. Bob called 
out, ^^Hi there — Helloa! Helloa! Stop a mo- 
ment, can’t you ?” 

^^Yah, I vas coom to sthop vone moment dot 
blace — ^Vat you vant mit me, eh?” 

^Tan you direct me to Magnolia Villa? — Mrs. 
Eal ” 

^^Mine gracious ! You vas vant to go to 
Meeses Ealeigh’s? Veil — veil! I vas life dot 
blace mineself. I vas just coom to dake all dose 
tings home to dot blace, mit dees vagon.” 

^‘^That’s good ; — then you live with Mrs. Ealeigh ? 
I am Mr. Corson — ^her brother. I have come to 
visit her.” 

^^Her brodder ! — Veil — veil. Meester Corson ! 
Vas dot so ! Veil, I vas Fritz.” 

^^Well, Fritz, I’ll go along with you.” 

J2 


The New AfrivaL 


Fritz drove past the station ; turning aronnd on 
the other side, he brought the wagon bed on a 
level with the platform. 

^^Here; 111 give you a lift/^ said Bob, as he 
picked up a box, shoved it into the wagon, and 
rolled on the barrel, before Fritz had disposed of 
the lines, and clambered out. 

^^Dere vas some more alreadty,^^ said Fritz. 
^^Dose Obbott^s dey vas get all dose hams, dot 
flour, und dose tings.^^ 

^AbbotV^ repeated Bob, as he clambered .about 
among the boxes and barrels. ^^Here you are, 
Fritz,^^ said he, tossing a package into the wagon 
— ^Ihis belongs to Abbott. Ill help; well get 
loaded up in short order — 111 go on the seat with 

Everything on. Bob climbed up, Fritz gath- 
ered up the lines and headed the horses for ^Alag- 
nolia Villa.^^ 

Arriving at Mr. Abbott^s place, Fritz gave a 
signal whistle; out ran a couple of hunting dogs, 
and leisurely down the graveled walk came a 
Chinese servant, taking a general survey of Bob 
as he came. 

^^What for you ead so many hams, Sing?’^ said 
Fritz, as he got down from the seat to help carry 
the things in. 

ii 


Serious Complications* 


^^Missy Cola alle time clompany,” answered 
Sing. ^^Alle time slandwich — ^yon sabbee ? — 
boilee ham, choppee ham, slicee ham, puttee on 
blead alle same buttee.^^ Taking a ham in each 
hand. Sing walked slowly to the house, while Fritz 
shouldered a heavy box and trotted up the walk. 

A young girl ran down the steps from the 
veranda, and came flying down the path ; when she 
reached the gate, she glanced up at the man on 
the seat of the wagon; their eyes met; she stood 
and looked at him in surprise. 

^^Helloa, ISTellie,^^ called Bob to her; know 
you in spite of your long frocks, ha ! ha ! ha ! ha 
^^Why, Uncle Bob!’^ exclaimed she, recovering 
from her surprise. ^^Where did you come from?^’ 
^Trom Kew York,^^ he replied. ^^What are you 
doing here 

^^Why, I came to see Cora, of course.^^ 

^^Where are you going now 
^^Home.^^ 

^^Are you going to walk?” 

^^No, sir, I am not. I can’t fly, and I am not 
going to ride — neither am I going to swim — how 
do you thinlc I’ll get home ? , Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! 
Come down and go with me. Won’t mamma be 
surprised to see you ? Come down, I say, and I’ll 
row you up the river. Ha ! ha ! ha !” 

14 


The New Affivat 


Bob got down from the wagon seat — Fritz 
climbed up and drove away, while Bob and Nellie 
left the dusty road, and went across lots to the 
river. 

Beaching the Ealeigh wharf, Nellie sprang 
from the boat, leaving Bob to make it fast. 
Stepping on to the veranda she called in at the 
open door, ^^Somebody coming, mamma,^^ — and 
ran back to meet her uncle. 

^^Mamma, here is Uncle Bob,^^ called Nellie, 
pushing him into the room. 

Laura looked quickly up from the book she 
was reading, and springing to her feet, she ex- 
claimed: ^^Eobert Worth Corson! You here? 
And you never let us know you were coming.^^ 
Affectionately greeting him, she asked: ^^How did 
you find the way ? Aren’t you tired and hungry ? 
When did you leave New York? How long can 
you stay? When 

^^One question at a time, sister,” said he as 
she rattled on. didn’t find the way, I just 
waited at the station, until your Dutch comedian 
hove in sight. I sang out. Then he informed 
me that he belonged to your menagerie, and had 
come for your freight. I loaded myself in with 
the rest of your goods — and here I am. Now 
that I am here, I would like a bath and some^ 
15 


Serious Complications* 


thing to eat; after that, 1^11 answer your multi- 
tudinons questions ; if I don^t finish to-night, then 
to-morrow, or the day after/^ 

^^Uncle Bob, are all old bachelors like you? 
You are just as jolly as ever. Uncle Bob, why 
don't you get married ?” 

^^Ha! ha! haP he laughed. ^^Nobody will 
have me, Nellie.^^ 

^^^^onsense. Uncle Bob, I know somebody; ha! 
ha! ha! There^s Maude Alde^ at Cora Abbott^ s, 
she is just lovely — she lives in San Francisco — she 
will like you, ha! ha! ha! wouldn^t it be funny 
if 

^^Ha! ha! ha! Nellie, you a matchmaker: oh, 
Nellie/^ 

^Terhaps, Nellie,^^ said her mother, ^^she might 
not fancy living in Australia. Bob, are you going 
to spend all your days on foreign soil? Sell out 
your old sheep ranch and invest in an orange 
grove; settle down here.^^ 

^^I\e sold out in Australia, but Ifil not settle 
down anywhere, until I get a bath. I am going 
upstairs to find a bathtub just now.^^ 

Mrs. Ealeigh sent Nellie to order a lunch for 
her uncle; then stepping to the hall she opened 
a door, telling Bob to enter and make himself com- 
fortable. 

J6 


The New ArrivaL 


^^Meeses Ealeigh, Fritz, he vish you to dell me 
vat he vill do mit dot shentleman^s trunk/^ The 
speaker was a rosy-cheeked German girl, to whose 
question Mrs. Ealeigh replied: 

^Tell him to bring it in here, Molly 

^^So you have your sandwiches made by a 
Dutch girl ; I thought to be in fashion in California, 
one must have a pigtailed China cook,^^ laughed 
Bob, as he closed the door, after Fritz had left 
the trunk. 

Eobert Corson was a bachelor of thirty-two. 
He was fond of travel and cared little for society. 
He was genial and of jovial disposition; person- 
ally, he was a handsome and attractive man. Al- 
though kindhearted and sympathetic, and quick 
to see and understand the trials and sorrows of 
others, he was inclined to look on the bright side 
of life ; to him, friends often said : ^Tate has dealt 
kindly with you — ^the current of your life flows 
easily and tranquilly on, undisturbed by any 
trouble or disappointment.^^ They were mis- 
taken — ^^Still waters run deep.^^ Bob had had his 
romance and his dreams. Hidden away amongst 
his few worldly goods was a little parcel — a tiny 
glove, and a withered rose wrapped in tissue 
paper; he never opened the package, but often, he 
looked at it, and sighed, as he thought of the hap- 
i7 


Serious Complications* 


piness that he had hoped might one day be his, 
had ^Tate’^ not interposed. 

He had spent many years of his life in Australia ; 
but his sister, since the death of her husband, had 
urged him to come to California and locate near 
her, and he had given her wish due consideration. 
It was now his intention to settle up all business 
matters and remain quietly with her until he de- 
cided whether to remain in California, or to estab- 
lish himself in Hew York. 

Laura Ealeigh^s husband had been dead about 
five years. She and her only living child, Hellie, 
occupied the beautiful home that Henry Ealeigh 
had purchased but a short time before his death. 
It adjoined the home of Mr. Wilber EandalFs 
family, who were old friends and had been neigh- 
bors of the Ealeighs, when they lived in San 
Francisco. 

Nellie had received her education in a private 
institution in San Francisco ; but school-days were 
over now, and she had returned, to remain with 
her mother ^t ^^Magnolia Villa.^^ 

About two years previously, Mr. Paul Abbott 
(a wealthy widower from New York City) had 
settled in the neighborhood. He had come out 
to visit the family of Mr. Alder, who lived in San 
Francisco. Becoming enamoured of the climate. 



NELLIE RALEIGH.— Page i8. 











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The New Arrival* 


he had visited different portions of the state, and 
finally he had purchased the land adjoining that 
of the Ealeigh^s; built a handsome mansion, and 
settled down to enjoy life in Southern California, 
leaving his son and daughter to remain in the 
East, until they finished their education. 

It happened that N’ellie Ealeigh, and Mr. Ab- 
botffs children, arrived at home at about the same 
time — the two girls soon became warm friends; 
Cora introduced her brother Tom to Xellie, and 
I^ellie introduced to them, George, the son of 
Mr. Wilber Eandall. 

ITellie proved a strong attraction to Tom, and 
Cora was equally attractive to George. When 
Cora had settled herself in her new home, Maude 
Alder (her childhood friend) came from San 
Francisco to visit for a few weeks, and found her- 
self an odd stick, until Bob arrived, and then he 
and she paired off, as the others had done, and 
found each other quite congenial. 

The Abbotts, Eandalls, and Ealeighs enjoyed 
life — there were no dull days at the ^^Eiverside 
ISTeighbors (by that name these three families 
were known far and wide about the country), so 
intimate had they become. 

There was the beautiful river with its three 
tiny wharfs and pretty rowboats. There were 
t9 


Serious Complications* 


saddle horses for those who cared to ride, there 
was a comfortable carriage at each place, there 
were rustic seats on the broad verandas, and in 
shady nooks in the gardens ; there were hammocks, 
swinging in the garden under the trees. One 
could be as comfortable out of doors as within. 
Often by way of variety, lunch was served on the 
tables on the roomy verandas, and always there 
were extra places at any of these tables, for our 
^^Eiverside hleighbors^^ lunched wherever the noon 
hour found them. 

Mr. Abbott looked on for a time at the merry- 
making; then it was noticed that he was. becom- 
ing more particular about his dress — always wore 
a fresh flower in his coat, and kept his boots 
polished until they shone like mirrors. It was 
also noticed that he was exceedingly deferential 
toward little Nellie. No one thought anything 
about it particularly — she was the youngest of 
them all ; and an only child — used to being petted ; 
besides she was the daughter of Laura Ealeigh. 


20 


Some Introductions* 


CHAPTEE IL 

SOME INTRODUCTIONS. 

Before the arrival of the young people from 
school, Mr. Abbott spent much of his time at 
Lanra Ealeigh’s house. The old gentleman was 
lonely ; so was she. He was alone with the servants 
in his house, she was similarly situated in hers. 
So through the long winter evenings he sat by 
her fireside and played cribbage, backgammon, or 
chess. The Eandalls happening in occasionally 
in the evening, invariably found the old gentle- 
man there, and speculating as to whether there was 
or was not anything in it, mentioned it to George — 
of course he told Tom, — Tom told Cora. Cora 
laughed heartily at ^^such nonsense , and told 
Nellie. Nellie elevated her brows and replied. 
Wouldn’t it be funny?” and forgot all about it. 
She was taken up with the younger Abbott’s atten- 
tion to herself. Tom was devoted to her, and had 
no time for gossip — ^his and Nellie’s affairs were 
2\ 


Serious Complications* 


more interesting than those of the old people; 
and George was blind to everything but the mis- 
chievous and fun-loving Cora. 

So intimate had these two girls become, that 
each was as much at home in the other’s house as 
in her own. Nellie, out for a gallop early in the 
morning, happened into breakfast at the Abbott’s, 
Cora happened in to dinner at the Kaleigh’s, on the 
same day. George Eandall, rowing down the river 
on the way to Abbott’s (to see Cora, of course), 
invariably stopped at the Ealeigh’s. If Nellie was 
at home, Cora was pretty sure to be there too; if 
Nellie was not at home, she was off somewhere 
with Tom, or else she was with Cora, at Abbott’s. 

Mrs. Ealeigh owned a library of choice books. 
One day Cora happened in, when Tom and Nellie 
were rowing on the river. A book lying on the 
table caught her eye; she opened it, became inter- 
ested, and sat down to read. Laura Ealeigh com- 
ing into the room some time after, found her 
curled up in an easy-chair, completely absorbed in 
the volume. 

^^Are you fond of literature ?” Laura asked. 

^^Oh, yes, indeed,” answered she, ^^but papa has 
not bought many books lately, and I have absorbed 
all of ours, and I miss the privilege of a circulat- 
ing library.” 


22 


Some IntfocJttctions* 


books are at your disposal/^ said Laura, 
^^you may read here whenever you like/^ 

After that Cora was more at the Ealeigh’s than 
ever; she would spend hours, curled up in a chair, 
in the library, or she would creep away into the 
shrubbery in the garden, to enjoy some book, until 
she would be interrupted by the peculiar whistle 
that George would give, on the way down the river, 
before he reached the little wharf at the Ealeigh’s. 
If she answered, he would stop the boat, wait for 
her while she went to the house for her hat, and 
then row her home. 

Sometimes she would fail to answer him; then 
he would shove the boat out into the stream, and 
row down to her home, only to find her gone ; then 
when she heard the dipping of the oars as he re- 
turned, she would give a shrill whistle, step out 
from her hiding place, and laughing at him, step 
into the boat and let him row her home. She was 
in love with George, and she knew that he was in 
love with her; but she was a coquette, and so the 
poor fellow had a hard time of it in finding out 
whether she cared for him or not. She teased 
him, and laughed at him and his love-making. 
He could not get from her a ^^yes,^’ or a ^^no” ; but 
^^patience is a virtue,^^ and this virtue he possessed 
in an unlimited degree. He combined it with per- 
severance, and in time he received his reward. 

23 


Serious Complications* 


CHAPTER HI. 

PAIRING OFF. 

There was no more cribbage or chess for Laura 
Raleigh and Mr. Abbott, now that the young people 
were at home. Mr. Abbott was getting frisky ; he 
insisted on taking part in all out-door sports of 
the young people. If Tom played football, why 
shouldn’t he? People need not grow old unless 
they want to — the spirit is always young. Thus 
reasoned old gentleman Abbott ; he would exercise 
and limber up a bit. 

He bought himself a saddle horse, and galloped 
about the country. It is true his joints ached, 
but no matter, it was because he had been lazy. 
He would become accustomed to exercise. He 
arose early in the morning, and was off before 
breakfast for a row on the river, while the others 
slept. Once he upset his boat by running into a 
snag, to which he clung and yelled lustily for help, 
as his boat, bottom up, went sailing down stream. 
Fortunately, Ben (the Randall’s hired man) hap- 
pened to be fishing, and saw the accident; he 
24 


Painng Off. 


plunged in, and landed the only fish he caught that 
morning, namely, Mr. Abbott. It was a big haul 
in more ways than one. Two golden tens jingled 
merrily together in Ben’s pockets when he slid in 
at the back door of the Abbott mansion, and hand- 
ing a golden five-dollar piece to the housemaid, 
told her to go upstairs and throw out of the win- 
dow a suit of Mr. Abbott’s clothes, and be quick 
about it, and keep her mouth shut. 

Ben had dragged Mr. Abbott into the stable at 
Eandall’s, had filled him with whiskey, wrapped 
him in the carriage robes, and hidden him under 
the hay, while he went to get a dry suit of clothes 
for him. 

The boat with Abbott’s name, in big, black let- 
ters on it, was rescued as it fioated down stream, 
and returned to its place by some neighbor. Of 
course we all know that boats sometimes break 
away from their moorings, and go fioating down 
stream, so it is not surprising that Tom advised 
his father to fasten his boat hereafter with a chain, 
and, of course, the old gentleman very readily ac- 
quiesced, but when he went rowing again, which 
was not for som.e time after (for he had in some 
unaccountable way taken a severe cold), he was 
careful to take some one with him, and his ISTew- 
foundland dog sat in the stern of the boat. The 
' 25 


Serioiis Complications* 


dog enjoyed it (so Mr. Abbott said), and he — well 
— he ^Vas fond of the dog.^^ 

Mr. Abbott showed especial fondness for Nellie; 
he complimented her and petted her. The first 
choice blossoms from his conservatory were for her. 
He went often to dine at her mother’s house, and 
was exceedingly gracious to Mrs. Ealeigh, but he 
never spent an evening alone with her. Nellie 
brought him his hat and cane when it was time 
for him to go. He was Tom's father, why 
shouldn't she be attentive to him? He was evi- 
dently fond of her. 

George looked on and smiled. He thought to 
himself: ^^He is courting the mother through the 
daughter.” 

Laura looked on and smiled. She thought: 
^‘He wishes to win her affection for my sake.” 

Tom and Nellie thought: ^^He sees the attach- 
ment between us, and he is delighted.” 

It had never occurred to Abbott that Tom had the 
slightest thought of love, or matrimony ; to him he 
was only a boy, and the young people were like 
brother and sister. Nellie was used to being 
petted; she was a favorite with everybody. Bob 
teased and caressed her. Molly, the housemaid, 
and Fritz, were always ready to do anything for 


26 


Paifingf Off* 


^^Mees ISTellie/’ Cora was fond of her^ and natu- 
rally Tom would be attentive to his sister’s friend. 

One day ISTellie told her mamma that Tom and 
she could not live without each other, and that 
some day they would be married. ^.^You know you 
like Tom yourself, mamma ; and I told him I knew 
you would be glad,” said she, throwing her arm 
about her mother’s neck. ^^And you are, aren’t 
you, mamma?” 

ISTellie told Cora of her engagement to Tom. 
Cora told George. All took it as a matter of 
course, and nobody thought to tell Mr. Abbott of 
what they supposed he could see for himself. 


27 


Serious Complications^ 


CHAPTEE IV. 

SCHEMES. 

morning Fritz brought in with the rest of 
the mail for Magnolia Villa^ a newspaper from 
ISTew York for Mrs. Ealeigh. 

Glancing over it a marked paragraph attracted 
her attention. It was an obituary notice. Mr. 
W. B. Ealeigh, a well-known attorney of Yew 
York City, was dead. 

William B. Ealeigh was the only brother of 
Laura’s late husband ; being many years the senior 
of Henry Ealeigh, William (his brother) had 
climbed well up the ladder of fame, before Henry 
had placed his foot firmly on the first rung. 
Separated by the whole breadth of the country, 
and occupying different social positions on account 
of the difference in their finances, they had become 
almost strangers to each other, their letters being 
short and infrequent. 

At last Henry (or Harry, as he was called) died. 
William and his wife sent a letter of condolence 

28 


Schemes^ 


to the widow, and she never heard from them 
again, although Henry left a daughter, in whom 
William should naturally have been interested, 
having no children of his own. 

Hearly seventeen years before, when Hellie was 
a baby. Will Ealeigh had brought his wife to San 
Francisco to visit his brother, who was 
then a clerk on a moderate salary. They 
had not informed Harry of their in- 
tended trip to California, and their coming 
was very unfortunate for them all. Two of 
Harry^s children (twins) had just died of diph- 
theria, Laura was worn and ill from grief and 
overwork; Harry was in straitened circumstances 
on account of unavoidable expense. It was impos- 
sible for them to make their guests’ visit pleasant 
for them, or even to make them comfortable, so 
after a stay of a very few days they took their 
departure. 

This visit, or rather the remembrance of it, had 
always been a thorn in the flesh to Laura. Her 
husband was poor. Will Ealeigh was rich; and 
being rich, neither he nor his wife were able to see, 
or understand, that Harry and Laura had done 
the best they could to entertain them, but had 
gone away believing that they had been received 
with indifference. 


29 


Serious Complications* 


Now, Will Ealeigh was dead. Had he remem- 
bered Nellie? Probably not. He had never 
written and inquired about her, and her father 
had been dead five years. This and much more 
was passing through Laura Ealeigh’s mind as she 
sat for some time in retrospection. 

Finally she arose, and folding the paper, laid 
it away. Taking her embroidery, she went out 
into the garden, and taking a seat, tried to interest 
herself in her work; failing in this she rested her 
elbow on the rustic table, leaned her head in her 
hand, and let her mind wander as it would. 

Bob brought his bicycle in from the avenue, 
leaned it against a tree, threw himself into a loung- 
ing-chair near his sister, and lighted a cigar. 

Mrs. Ealeigh never looked his way or spoke a 
word, but sat silent as the Sphinx, looking into 
space. 

For some time Bob smoked in silence, and 
studied her face. Finally, he said: ^^Well, sister, 
what is it? You are as oblivious to everything 
about you as if you were both blind and deaf. I 
believe on my soul you are putting up a job, — ha ! 
ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! Youfil have to be watched, — ha ! 
ha ! ha ! ha ! I have been watching you for at least 
fifteen minutes. Why are you so silent ?^^ 


30 


Schemes* 


She glanced at him and quietly said: was 

thinking 

^That fact is quite apparent ; from your preoc- 
cupied air, one would declare that you were deep 
in some plot/^ 

‘^1 was thinking/^ she repeated. ^^You remem- 
ber Harry ^s brother Will 

^^Well, yes, sister, now that you mention him. 
You know that I never saw him but once, and 
that was long ago. What about him ?” 

^^He is dead. I’ve been thinking 

^^So you have remarked several times. Hope 
your thoughts center on something more interest- 
ing than a dead man.” 

^^Of course you know that once on a time Harry 
was a clerk in the freight office of the Central 
Pacific Kailroad, in San Francisco. That was 
before he began to prosper.” 

^^Yes, I know. Well, sister?” 

^^When Nellie was a baby, and just after we 
lost the twin boys. Will Ealeigh and his wife came 
to visit us in San Francisco. We were terribly 
cramped for room, — they dropped in on us unex- 
pectedly. We were in a sea of trouble — in fact, 
could scarcely keep afioat — it was very inconvenient 
for us at that time — and — well — they didn’t make 
a long stay.” 


Serious Complications^ 


^^Used to high living, I suppose/^ 

course/^ replied Laura with a sigh. ^^Well, 
we kept up a sort of correspondence until Harry 
died, and that ended it.^^ She gave a shrug of 
her shoulders as she continued: ^^But then you 
know that relations-in-law are no relation at all, 
and the wife of my brother-in-law would be no re- 
lation to me. To tell the truth, I didnT like the 
old lady, she was an eccentric, purse-proud thing, 
as stiff as a ramrod — a talking dictionary — no re- 
lation to me.^^ 

^^You are quite a philosopher.^^ 

^T\e heard nothing of them since.^^ 

^^Ha ! ha ! ha ! You informed me a moment ago 
that the old gentleman is quite dead.^^ 

^^Well, so he is.^^ 

^^Appeared to you in a dream 
^^Bob, cannot you be serious T’ 

^^Yes, grave as a judge if the occasion requires — 
proceed, sister.^^ 

friend in Hew York sends me a paper now 
and then ; in one received to-day was a notice of the 
death of William B. Ealeigh.^^ 

^^Well, how do you know that it was the W. B 

E. 

^^Oh, his ancestors are mentioned clear back to 
Noah. He was the descendant of this one, who 

32 


Schemes* 


was the descendant of that one, and so on. You 
see I know their names, for Harry often told me 
about his family; he was proud of his English 
ancestry.'’^ 

^^ffm ! But you said you were thinking ; so far 
you have not enlightened me on the subject of your 
thoughts and gratified my curiosity.^^ 

^^WilFs wife must be quite an old woman by 
this time ; you know Harry was years younger than 
his brother.^^ 

^^Yes, yes. But unless you make your long 
story short, you^ll forget what you were thinking 
about, — ^ha ! ha ! ha ! ha 

^^Well,^^ said Laura nervously, ^^if she is living 
her husband must be a widow, and 

^^Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! That^s news, — ha ! ha ! ha 
laughed Bob. 

don^t see anything to laugh about,^^ said she 
resentfully. 

^^Of course not. It’s the most natural thing in 
the world for a dead man to be a widow. It is 
very consoling. Ha! ha! ha! ha!” 

^^You know that if I said that it was a slip of 
the tongue; what I meant was, that he must be a 
widower’^ 

Again Bob exploded with laughter. ^^Don’t 
get in any deeper, sister, or I’ll never be able to 

33 


Serious Complications* 


haul you out. You mean that she is his widow, 
don’t you?” 

course; that’s just exactly what I said. 
She couldn’t be any other widow, could she?” 

^^She might.” 

^me might? How?” 

^^She might have been a grass-widow.” 

^^Oh, Bob, what nonsense you do talk. You 
are too old to be so absurd.” 

Bob threw away the stump of his cigar, stretched 
himself full length on the lounging chair, pulled 
his cap over his face and said: am going to 

take a nap ; ramble on, but when you get down to 
your thoughts, just waken me, please.” 

^‘1 am thinking of asking her to make another 
visit,” said Laura. 

Bob sprang up, exclaiming: ^^Great Scott and 
Holy Moses, sister! What in heaven’s name do 
you want of a cranky old woman, the relation 
of a relation-in-law, who is no relation at all (that 
is a quotation; you are the author of the original, 
I believe). Lord! an antiquated old ramrod! I’ll 
take the first overland train for Yew York. Yes, 
I’ll skip to Australia. Confound old women! I 
hate the whole army of them. I had an experience 
wdth one; it’ll last a lifetime. What do you want 
with her?” 


34 


Schemes* 


Bob, that is just what IVe been trying 
to tell you; but you are such an everlasting talker 
that you haven’t given me a chance. I have an 
object. I’ve been thinking — ^you know that she is 
wealthy 

^^Aha ! you are a schemer. You have been lay- 
ing a plot. Go on. I am all attention.” 

^^She must be rolling in wealth.” 

^^Oh, it’s money, eh ? I see. Any children ?” 

^^No, not one. You know Will became cele- 
brated as an attorney, seldom or never lost a case. 
Made a fortune. Invested well.” 

^^And the walking dictionary gets it all.” 

Laura sighed as she replied: ‘^1 suppose the 
widow will get it all. Nellie was her uncle’s only 
living relative. I don’t suppose he even thought 
of her. Well, it’s not quite fair. Do you think 
so ?” 

^^Didn’t enjoy their visit in San Francisco, eh, 
sister? Perhaps the old ramrod remembers.” 

^^Oh, well, that was long ago. Southern Cali- 
fornia, you know — orange groves, flowers and fruit, 
a lovely country home, and then the climate.” 

^^Great inducements, . truly. Maybe they will 
fetch her, — if she isn’t too ancient to undertake 
the journey.” 

^^Oh, no. It was always her boast that she suy- 

35 


Serious Complications* 


mounted all obstacles by her great will power. I 
believe she will come.^^ 

^^But suppose she has gone to the other world 
so, my letter will be returned.’’ 

^^And if she has made the celestial journey be- 
fore her esteemed better half, you may yet find 
that Nellie may come in for her uncle’s wealth. 
Better be patient, sister.” 

^^The notice stands that he left a widow. I shall 
write. Delays are dangerous.” 

^^Now, sister, if she were only a young widow, I 
would stay, and set my cap for her. You see I 
might learn a lesson in scheming from you.” 

^^If she were only young she would stay in New 
York and marry again.” 

^^And you would lose her valued society.” 

^^Now, if Nellie would be attentive to the old 

lady, Mrs. Ealeigh might 

understand. But it seems to me, Nellie is 
attentive in a more pleasing direction. How about 
young Abbott ? Ha ! ha ! ha !” 

^^Nellie is always obedient.” 

^^Nellie is like a bird. She needs freedom, the 
society of young people. Don’t tax her too hard, 
sister.” 

^^Oh, it would be for a short time only. Nellie 
is very young. Mrs. E. is very old — and ” 

36 


Schemes* 


^^Well/^ interrupted Bob, as he rose with a yawn, 
^Vhen are you going to set the machinery of this 
gigantic scheme of yours in motion? Better take 
time 

^^To-day — now — this very minute'' she replied, 
and stepping on the veranda she disappeared in 
the house. 

^^Cora! Cora!” rang out Kellie’s voice, as she 
came running down the avenue. 

Bob recognized the voice and stepped quickly 
to the gate. As she came flying through he caught 
her in his arms. ^Tay toll, madcap,” said he, 
lowering his head for a kiss. 

^^Oh, Uncle Bob, where is Cora ? Have you seen 
her?” 

^^Kot a glimpse of her to-day, Nellie. What is 
going on now?” 

^Tritz is getting out the horses, and the boys 
are going to take us for a drive. I can’t find Cora. 
Oh, dear! oh, dear!” And she stamped her foot 
impatiently. 

George rowed down the river and whistled, 
rested on his oars for a moment, whistled again, 
then rowed up the river. 

^^There is George,” said Bob. ^^You see she is 
not here; she has gone home across lots.” 

^^No, she has not,” said Nellie very decidedly. 

37 


Complications^ 

^^She was to stay to dinner/^ With a sly glance 
a! Bob she added : ^^So will Maude. Cora has just 
gone off with a book. 1^11 lock the bookcase and 
throw the key into the well.^^ 

^^She might smash the doors^ and destroy valu- 
able property; the temptation would be great.” 

^^1^11 throw the books down the well, then — 
there r 

^^Good gracious !” exclaimed Bob, in mock 
alarm. ^WVll all be poisoned; I’ll have to inform 
mamma of your evil intentions at once. Ha ! ha ! 
ha !” 

^^You may laugh. Bootes! ugh! boohs! All very 
well for a rainy day, but when a girl is just out 
of a stuffy old school, no ogress to keep tab, and 
a great big world to roam about in 

^^And a great big boy to roam about with, oh, 
Nellie.” 

^^Now, Mr. Bob, don’t interrupt. There’s the 
blue sky overhead, the shining river with its danc- 
ing boats only a stone’s throw from the house. Oh, 
Uncle Bob, isrit it a beautiful world? Ponies to 
ride, butterflies to chase, fences to climb. Boohs f 
I never want to see one again. Who can read 
when the birds are singing, the flowers blooming, 
and — and — so much fun.” 


38 















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CORA ABBOTT.— Page 39 




Schemes* 


^^And — and — so many beans — oh, N'ellie, Nellie, 
ha ! ha ! ha V’ langhed Bob. 

am going right into the house,’’ she retorted, 
springing up the steps of the veranda. With her 
hand on the doorknob she turned and archly said 
t(; him, ^^Maude is down on the avenue ; she didn’t 
say so, but perhaps she would like to see — some- 
body/' With a silvery laugh she vanished into 
the house. Bob mounted his wheel, struck our 
for the road and was soon out of sight. 

^^Toohoo-toohoo-hoo-hoohoo-hoo,” sounded from 
the river, and there was a low laugh behind the 
shrubbery. 

George pushed his boat up to the landing place, 
threw a rope over the stake, and stepped out, un- 
conscious of a bright pair of eyes that were watch- 
ing him from behind a clump of pampas. Enter- 
ing the garden, he said aloud: ^^What in thunder 
has become of that girl ! She is here somewhere ; 
wonder if I’ll be lucky enough to find her ?” 

With a peal of laughter Cora Abbott stepped 
quickly to his side. 

^^Did you rise out of the earth?” asked he. 

^^No, sir, I rose off the earth. Oh, George, I’ve 
been doing something awful, Ha ! ha ! ha ! Per- 
fectly awful ! Awfully awful ! Oh, ha ! ha ! 
ha !” 


39 


Serious Complications^ 

^^That must be very awful, indeed; but it seems 
to be awfully funny as well as awfully awful/^ 

^^Nellie called and called, but I dared not move. 
I’ve been a prisoner for ever and ever so long, 
George. I’m glad you came, I’m just dying to tell 
some one all about it, and you are the only one 
to whom I can tell it.’^ 

^^That’s right, dear,” said he, leading her to a 
seat ; ^^make me father confessor, and be forgiven.” 

^^But I’m planning to do another awful thing. 
Oh, ha ! ha ! ha ! Such a scheme, George ; such fun. 
Oh, ha! ha! ha! ha!” 

^‘^I am in for fun every time ; tell me all about it. 
I’m curious.” 

^^Oh, George, I’ve been eavesdropping. Eeally, 
I couldn’t help myself. It was not intentional. 
I couldn’t get away without making things very 
embarrassing all around.” 

^^Stood it out, did you?” 

^^Yes, I had to. That was not so bad, but — ^but 
— oh, ha ! ha ! ha ! Oh, George, it put such an 
idea into my head. Oh, it will be such funT 

^^Well, why don’t you tell me? Do you want 
me to die of curiosity, or have my hair turn gray 
with suspense?” 

took a book from the library and crept in 
there,” Cora said, pointing to a clump of trees. 

40 


Schemed* 


got to thinking about — about — somebody — I 
must have fallen asleep/^ 

^^Who was that somebody 

^Terhaps it was you — perhaps it was 

^moP 

^^Somebody else. hTever mind. The next thing 
I heard voices — Mrs. Ealeigh and Bob — such a 
scheme. Oh, George.'’^ And Cora laughed 
merrily. 

^^Corson planning an elopement, a highway 
robbery, or 

^^Now, George, Bob wasnT in it at all.^^ 

^^Mrs. Ealeigh planning to kidnap papa? Who 
would suspect it?^^ 

^^Now, George, do keep still. It’s a long story. 
You know that Mrs. Ealeigh is a widow.” 
take the lady’s word for it.” 

^^Her husband had a brother William.” 

^^Never heard of him.” 

"^He’s dead.” 

^^That’s interesting, very.” 

^^George, you are perfectly horrid. Yes, he’s 
dead. The widow is rich and she wants to invite 
the widow here, and she don’t know that his wife’s 
dead, and that she is young and beautiful, and so 
she is going to invite her here, on account of the 


41 


Serious Complications* 


money. She will make a mess of it. So there, 
Now what do you think of thatf' 

George tossed his head and laughed long and 
loudly at Cora’s anything but explicit informa- 
tion. When he recovered he said : 

^^That’s exceedingly interesting. Oh, ha ! ha ! 
ha! If she makes a worse mess of it than you 
have, I’m a mummy, ^so there.’ ” 

^^You laugh,” said she indignantly. ^^I thought 
you would be shoclced at such a scheme.” 

^Terhaps I would be,” he replied, ^^if I could 
understand how any woman could be dead, be a 
wife, be rich, be a widow, be old, be young at the 
same time, and be the victim of a scheme, on top 
of all that. Oh, Cora, Cora, turn around; your 
face is prettier than your back hair.” 

Cora faced about with a jerk, and retorted: ^^I 
didn’t say any such thing. The first wife would 
be old ; but she died long ago. Mrs. Ealeigh 
doesn’t know it. Mr. W. B. Ealeigh married 
again — a young and beautiful girl — she and I had 
been schoolmates; her father was dead, and to 
please her mother she married Attorney W. B. 
Ealeigh. Just after the poor girl was tied for 
life to the old codger, a never-before-heard-of 
English relative died, and her mother proved to 
be her heir — just think of it.” 

42 


Sctcmcig* 


^•^Whose heir?^^ questioned George. ^^You are 
not very explicit.^^ 

^^And you are awfully stupid. The English 
woman’s heir, of course.” 

^Then I suppose the young and beautiful girl 
died, didn’t she?” 

^^Well, I guess she didn’t do any such thing. 
There is where the fun is coming in.” 

^^But you said the girl was tied for life, and 
just before that you informed me that the old 
codger to whom she was tied is now dead. You 
meant that he was tied for life. We will let it 
pass. What next?” 

^^Mr. W. B. died, and it seems he has left all his 
wealth to the widow. Of course she was perfectly 
miserable with the old man. She was in love with 
some one else when she married, but her mother 
was getting old, they were poor, and you know the 
rest. Isn’t it sad, George?” 

^^Well, no ! I rather think the girl has the best 
of it; but it seems to me that you are a long way 
off the track of the awfully awful-awful.” 

^^Mrs, Ealeigh wishes to invite Mrs. W. B. E. 
to visit here. She has probably written her letter 
before this — to Mrs. W. B. E. No. 1, of course.” 

^^But how will she manage it when the old lady 
is dead?” 


43 


Senous Complicationis* 


you great big goose, can^t you see that 
the young widow will get the letter ? Ha ! ha ! ha ! 
She probably never heard of Mrs. Ealeigh — 
Laura, I mean.^^ 

^^Then she will be mystified,^^ said George. 
^^What do you suppose she will do when she re- 
ceives the invitation? You say she will get it, 
Then I suppose Laura doesnT know that you evei 
knew anything about the W. B. family.'’^ 

^^Mrs. W. B. E. will get a letter from me at the 
same time. She will come, you may rest assured. 
Yes, mark my words , — she will come! Yo, it 
never once entered my head that there might be 
any relation between this family of Ealeighs and 
the one in Yew York. Yellie never mentioned 
having had an uncle beside Bob Corson. I was 
amazed at what I overheard.^^ 

^^So the old lady died and left the distinc- 
tion of being a widow to a younger woman 
^^Yes, a young and lovely girl.^^ 

a charming widow — h’m! Widows are 
dangerous. So you are quite sure that she will 
come 

^Tositive; to my house, of course. So will 
her mother — as Mrs. W. B. E., to this house, ha ! 
ha ! ha ! She was a great actress. It will be a 
good joke on Mrs. Laura Ealeigh, ha ! ha ! ha ! ha 

44 


Schemes* 


Molly, the housemaid, had entered from the 
side unnoticed by the young couple. When Cora 
finished speaking, she said : ‘^‘^Mees Cora, Mees 
Nellie, she vas peen look all ofer, efery blace for 
you. I vill dell her you vas here, don^t it ? Dose 
horses, dey vas all readty to go ride.^^ 

will go right away, Molly she replied. 
Catching George’s hand she gave him a jerk, and 
said : ^Tome along, George,” and both ran up the 
steps and into the house. A few moments later 
Tom, George, and the three girls climbed into the 
carriage. Tom took up the lines, and away went 
the party down the road. 

The horses had been standing in their stalls for 
some time without exercise, and consequently they 
were in as high spirits as the young people. 

Fritz had been doing considerable grumbling 
while harnessing them into the carriage. He felt 
that the young men were reckless, and did not 
understand the necessity of giving their attention 
to the management of the horses; so when Tom, 
taking the lines in one hand, slipped an arm about 
ISTellie, and chirruped to the horses to go, which 
they did like the wind, he felt that he ought to 
follow, and keep them in sight. He feared an 
accident. With this in mind he turned into the 
garden to speak to Mrs. Ealeigh about it. 

45 


Serious Complications* 


Molly had turned to go out on the avenue, but 
meeting Fritz at the gate she came back and 
stopped to talk with him at the foot of the steps 
to the veranda. Lifting a finger in a mysterious 
way, she said: 

^Tritz, I vill dell you somedings; I vas hear 
dot Mees Cora dell dot Meester George dot she 
vould pring vone actress friend to dees house, to 
joke mit Meeses Kaleigh; vat you tink of dot? 
Dere vas some foolishness mit it ; I does not under- 
sthood vat dees vas all apout.^^ 

^^Cheeminy Christmas! You don^t say?’^ said 
Fritz. 

Fritz was troubled, and so he was not as in- 
terested in ^^dot foolishness’^ as he would otherwise 
have been, ^^t does not pee mine fault,” said 
he, ^fif does horses de mischief does raise mit dose 
young plades ; dere is too much foolishness mit dose 
young laties; dose horses, dey tend to de peesness 
mit demselfes.” 

^^If dose young shemtlemans lose demselfes der 
headts, dot don’t is your peesness, ain’t it?” 

^^Vell, I tink dose young fellers has lose dere 
headts alreadty, don’t it? Ven first go de heart, 
den toilers de headt after, ain’t it?” and Fritz 
slipped an arm about Molly’s waist. 

she very decidedly said, giving him a 

46 


Schemes* 


push ; ^^dot ainft it. First go de headt, den follow 
de heart after^ dof s iV’ 

^‘Mine gracious! Dot vas so, I vas not under- 
sthand/^ Fritz put his hand under her chin, 
turned up her face, and imprinted a sounding 
smack on her lips before she was aware of his in- 
tention, and said: ^^Ven de headt vas opset den de 
heart run avay mit it, dot's it/^ 

^^Don^t you fool mit yourself, Mr. Fritz,^^ she 
said, giving him another shove, vill not lose 
mine headt alreadty, dot vos foolishness. Yen 
dere vas no money come in de door, de heart fly 
oudt de vindow, dot's so.^^ 

^^Yell, I hafe safed some mit mine money. I 
vas puy vone dose leedle ranch, mit all dose vines, 
und tings.^^ 

Molly snuggled up to him, and said: ^^Vas dot 
so? I hafe safed mit mine money, too.^^ 

^^Yell! veil! Yas dot so? You don’t say!” 
said he, giving her a bearlike hug. ^^Den I vill 
puy dot leedle ranch! You like dot leedle ranch, 
eh?” 

^^Yah, I like dot.” 

^^You vill come und life dot leedle ranch mit 
me, eh?” 

Giving him another shove she replied: vish 

you go puy dot leedle ranch flrst.” 

47 


Serious Complications* 


Again placing his arm about her, he said: 
vas dell you I vill puy dot leedle ranch, und you 
vill puy all dose leedle peegs, und dose scheekens; 
ve vill haf vone cow, und I vill dake care dot cow, 
und you vill make dot butter und sell dose eggs; 
und I vill puild vone leedle house, und vone pen 
for dose peegs, und vone scheeken house; und ve 
vill blant dose podadoes, und dose cabbages, und 
dose vines, und dot fig tree, eh?^^ 

/‘^Und,^^ replied Molly, as Fritz gave her a hug, 

vill sot dose hens, und make dot kraut 

Throwing both arms about her in delight, he 
said: ^^TJnd ve vill pee fery hoppy under dot fig 
tree mit dot cow und dose peegs/^ 

^^Und eferyting vill pe peautiful, peautiful/' ex- 
claimed Molly, throwing both arms around Fritz^s 
neck, ^^und ve vill pee vone marriet coubble/^ 
^^Mine gracious T exclaimed Fritz, as he caught 
her in both arms and held her tight, ^^dot vas so/^ 
Laura Ealeigh, with a letter in her hand, opened 
the house door in time to see her two German serv- 
ants folded in each otheFs arms. For a moment 
she regarded them in amazement, then she called : 
^Tritz V’ 

Molly unclasped her arms and took to her heels, 
while Fritz, blushing to the roots of his hair, 
stammered: ^^Yah, mam, Meeses Ealeigh/^ 

48 


Schemes* 


^^See that this letter goes in the next mail/’ 
said Mrs. Ealeigh. Handing it to him she went 
inside. 

Molly, on the other side of the gate, beckoned 
to Fritz. ^^Vat you tink dot Mees Cora mit dot 
actress? I vas tink Meeses Ealeigh, she does not 
like dot — dot Mees Cora, she vas vone dose — vat 
you call ’em — corker? Dot’s so.” 

Fritz started off with the letter, and Molly 
entered the house. 


49 


Serious Complications* 


CHAPTEE V. 

A MISTAKEN PROPOSAL. 

On entering the house, after unfolding her plan 
to her brother, Laura Ealeigh seated herself at 
her desk and wrote the following letter: 

^^Magnolia Villa^ near Los Angeles. 
^^Mrs. W. B. Ealeigh^ of ^Tew York. 

dear Mrs. Ealeigh: For many days 
past I have been thinking of you, and longing to 
see you. At last I have decided to write. I most 
earnestly request you to favor me with a long visit. 
You cannot imagine a more delightful place than 
my beautiful home; a roomy house, with broad 
verandas on all sides, set in the midst of an almost 
tropical garden, bordering on one of the most pic- 
turesque streams in the state, a river that mur- 
murs and sings as it dances and sparkles along 
between its shady banks, reflecting the fleecy 
clouds of our California sky. There are fine 
drives about the country. I believe you are fond 
50 


A Mistaken Proposal* 


of driving. There are the orange groves, such pic- 
tures of loveliness, bearing at the same time both 
blossoms and fruit, the air laden with the perfume 
of the blossoms of the innumerable varieties of 
wild flowers; the beautiful ferns. Well, in fact, 
it would be useless for me to attempt to convey to 
your mind the beauties and attractions of the 
paradise in which I have made my home. You 
must see in order to appreciate. Words are in- 
adequate to do our glorious Southern California 
justice. 

^^With love, I anxiously await your reply. 

^^Believe me, truly and sincerely yours, 

^‘^Laura C. Ealeigh.^^ 

Laura Ealeigh had returned to the garden 
(after giving her letter to Fritz to post), bring- 
ing her embroidery. ISTow she was sitting under 
the trees, trying to concentrate her mind on her 
work. 

Her sudden appearance in the midst of his 
courtship had so confused Fritz that he forgot to 
speak of the matter that had brought him to the 
garden. With the letter in his pocket, he went 
to the stable and saddled a horse. The restless- 
ness of the animal brought to his mind that the 
carriage horses had shown considerable spirit. 


Serious Complications, 


He felt troubled; the young folks had taken the 
river road, the young men were thoughtless, and 
he felt that something might happen. Going 
back to the garden, he saw Mrs. Kaleigh. Taking 
off his cap, he said to her : ^^Meeses Ealeigh, I tink 
dere vas too much foolishness mit dose young 
beobles; dose horses dere headts, dey vas full mit 
der tifel, und dose young shentlemans, der headts, 
dey vas full mit dose young laties. I tink ven 
dose young beobles come pack dey vill valk home 
mit demself."^^ 

^^You donT anticipate an accident, Fritz she 
anxiously inquired, as she rose from the bench. 

don’t tickypate nodings,” he answered. 
^^You see, Meeses Ealeigh, it vas dees vay: Meester 
Tom, he cannot manage dose horses mit vone 
hand; dose horses dey know dot vas so, and dey 
vas schmell de rat. I vas tink I vill go vone 
horsepack mit mineself after dose young beobles, 
don’t it?” 

^^Yes, yes, Fritz, go. Make them come back.” 

Fritz left the garden, and Laura stood looking 
after him. Molly opened the house door, and 
called: ^^Meeses Ealeigh, vas you at home dees 
day? Dot shentleman Obbott, he vas come in de 
parlor. He say he vish to speak mit you in de 
garden.” 


52 


A Mistaken Pfoposak 


^Tell him I will be delighted, Molly. Show 
him out.^^ 

^Aha!^^ thought she, ^^he wishes to see me per- 
sonally. Now hell pop the question; I know it, 
I feel it. He knows that I am alone. I am sorry 
that I told Fritz to send the children home.^^ 

As Mr. Abbott stepped out pn the veranda, she 
went up the steps to meet him, extending both 
hands. ^^Keally, Mr. Abbott, this is an unexpected 
pleasure. I so seldom get a chance to see you 
alone, since the children came home — Ihe children^ 
— it seems strange to think of you as being Tom^s 
father. Eeally, it seems more as if you were his 
elder brother.^^ 

wanted to see you alone/' he said, ^^I’ve some- 
thing to say. H’m ! h’m ! You know, my dear 
Mrs. Ealeigh — that — that — Cora and Nellie are 
already like sisters — and Tom — well, of course, he 

admires Miss Nellie 

^^Yes, yes, Mr. Abbott,’^ interrupted Laura, 
understand it all perfectly; it really is delight- 
ful to have the young folks so devoted.^^ 

^^So it is, h’m, h’m! So it is. Delightful, 
h’m, h^mP 

^Tt brings the old folks nearer together, but 
there — ^you — why, you are only a boy. You 


53 


Sefioiis Complications# 


don’t look a day over thirty — not a day, Mr. Ab- 
bott.” 

^^Do yon really think so?” he inquired in de^ 
light. 

most certainly do/' was the reply. 

^^Then you don’t object to my age?” 

^^Certainly not.” After a pause she asked: 
^^Why do you remain a widower, Mr. Abbott?” 

^^H’m,— ah— h’m.” 

^nVhy, Mr. Abbott?” 

^^I_ah— h’m.” 

^^Your children will leave you some time.” 

^^Hope they will. Oh — ah — h’m — h’m — Madam 
—I— ah.” 

^^You will be lonely. (Pause.) Your dear de- 
parted wife would wish you to be happy.” 

^^H’m ! My dear madam, I’ve been — ^been — con- 
templating matrimony.” 

^^Why not, Mr. Abbott?” 

^^Why not; I mean, h’m, the object' of my affec- 
tion — is — so — so 

^^So what?” 

^^So much — ^younger — so — oh — h’m 

^^That’s nothing, nothing at all; only a trifle, 
not worth mentioning, Mr. Abbott.” 

have dared to — to hope — since — since ” 

^^Since when ?” 


54 



LOVE CANNOT HIDE ITSELF.”— Page 56. 





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A Mistaken Proposal* 

^^Since — since I\e been coming, been interest- 
ing — in — in 

^^In whom?’^ 

^^In yonr family The old gentleman drew a 
long breath and wiped his forehead. 

^Tndeed/^ said Lanra. 

^^You know I told yon how fond Cora is of 
hlellie, and I feel certain that Cora would be de- 
lighted/^ continued Abbott. 

^^Of course. I am certain that Yellie would not 
object.^^ 

^^Quite certain, Mrs. Ealeigh?^^ 

^Tositive, quite positive, Mr. Abbott.^^ 

^^The little darling! You are quite sure that 
she will not think me an old fool 

^^She will think just as I do, that you are the 
dearest and best man in the whole world.'’^ 

see that you understand me perfectly, madam. 
I donT know how to express myself in words, but 
you understand it all; you are willing.^^ 

understood it from the very first, Mr. Abbott.^’ 
Looking coquettishly at him, she added; ^^Love 
cannot hide itself.^^ 

^^Then you consent, you approve my choice; 
you will speak to Yellie?^^ 

The old gentleman in his delight placed his 


55 


Serious Complications. 

arms about Laura’s waist and gave her a hearty 
embrace, saying : ^^You have made me so happy.” 

Screaming with laughter, pell-mell rushed the 
boys and girls into the garden. George was hat- 
less and his coat was torn; the girls’ dresses hung 
in rags. Silence fell like a thunderclap upon them 
as the tableau met their gaze. 

Laura sprang to her feet. The blood rushed 
to her face, dyeing it scarlet ; but Abbott rose from 
his seat, his face wreathed in smiles, when his eyes 
fell on Nellie. Under his breath he said: ^^There 
she is, the angelT 

The young folks looked from one to the other, 
and formed their conclusions, while Nellie rattled 
on, and told her mother how the horses had be- 
come unmanageable, and how, but for the timely 
arrival of Fritz, they would have gone, all of them, 
into the river; how Fritz had jumped from his 
horse after catching their bridle and had forced 
the horses to back into a fence and wreck the car- 
riage ; how Tom rolled down into the river and had 
to swim ashore ; finishing her narrative by inform- 
ing her mother that she need not be frightened, 
for they were none of them killed, not even Fritz 
or the horses. 


56 



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•“RESTORES NATURAL COLOR.’— IT MIGHT TURN IT RED.”— Page 57. 




A Yoangf Old Man. 


CHAPTEE VI. 

A YOUNG OLD MAN. 

On the morning after the accident IN'ellie awak- 
ened with a pain in her side, so her mother kept 
her at home, insisting on her being perfectly quiet ; 
and it was nearly two weeks before she again went 
to the Abbotts’ home. Meantime Cora had sent 
out invitations for an evening party. 

Mr. Abbott was possessed to learn to dance. In 
the privacy of the old gentleman^s room, poor Tom 
had to play the dancing master every evening. 

One day Mr. Abbott went into town and ordered 
a dress suit. Happening into a drug store he 
inadvertently bought a bottle of hair restorer. 
Finding no one in the sitting-room when he reached 
home, he sat down and tore the wrapper from the 
bottle. 

^^They say that hair dye injures the brain, — won- 
der if it is safe to use it?^^ said he to himself. 
^^This label says : ^Eestores natural color it might 
turn it red.^^ Eising he went to look in the glass. 

57 


Serious Complications* 

^^White is more becoming than red. I don^t be- 
lieve I want it red, but I do wish it wasn’t quite 
so white.” Making an elaborate bow to his re- 
flection in the mirror, he went on : ^^The old lady 
said I didn’t look a day over thirty — ^by Jove ! I 
don’t feel a day over thirty. Many people are 
prematurely gray. I guess I won’t use the stuff.” 

He put the bottle on the table and began prac- 
ticing a dancing step. Singing, ^^one, two, three, 
kick,” he danced about the room until he was tired, 
then he sat down to read the paper ; finally he de- 
gan again, ^^one, two, three, kick.” Forgetting 
all about the hair restorer he danced out into the 
hall, giving Cora a vigorous kick as she en- 
tered. 

^^Well, papa,” said she, ^^you are getting as 
frisky as a spring lamb. What’s getting into you, 
anyhow ?” 

^^Why, you booby! Can’t you see that I am 
learning to dance? I must get that kick so that 
I can dance at the party to-morrow night. One, 
two, three, four, kick. I didn’t get the kick right 
that time. Tom will have to show me again. 
One, two Play it, Cora.” 

Cora seated herself at the piano and played for 
a while, but she laughed so at the old man’s antics, 
that he became offended and went upstairs. 

58 


A Young: Old Man * 

^^All alone/^ called Maude, appearing in the 
doorway a second later. ^^Where is ISTellie?^^ 

^^Nellie cannot come to-day. You know that she 
was slightly hurt on the day of the runaway. Tom 
has gone to see her.^^ 

course he has gone to see her; he went yes- 
terday, and the day before, and he will go again to- 
morrow ; pretty strong attraction there, — ha ! ha ! 
ha r 

^^ISTellie is a lovely girl.^’ 

^^And papa and the widow, — ha! ha! ha! ha! 
Anything serious there 

^^Lord knows, I donT. They are on very 
friendly terms; whether or not there is anything 
in it, I cannot determine. Ah, there’s George,” 
said she as she looked up, and saw him stand- 
ing in the doorway. ^^Come in, George.” 

suppose you girls are too busy to go for a 
row on the river. 

^^Oh, George,” answered Maude, ^Ve will be 
tired to death by evening. To-morrow night will 
be the party, and we must rest and be as quiet as 
possible to-day.” 

George had sauntered towards the table. His 
glance fell on the bottle Abbott had left there. 
Taking it in his hand he exclaimed : ^^Christopher ! 
.what is tMsT' 


59 


Serious Complications* 


don^t know, George/^ said Cora, turning 
about on the piano stool. didn’t see that be- 
fore. Where did it come from? How did it get 
in here ?” 

^^Well, I didn’t bring it. It didn’t fly in 
through the window,” said George. 

^^t isn’t mine,” said Maude; ^‘1 am not taking 
drops.” 

Drops! Ha! ha! ha! ha!” laughed George. 
^Gt isn’t Tom’s property; his hair isn’t thin; I 
don’t believe he is laying in a stock of hair restorer 
in anticipation of matrimonial difficulties.” 

restorer/''"' exclaimed Cora. ^^Hair dye? 
George, what a tease you are.” Eising, she took 
the bottle from him and looking at the label, read : 

^Hair Eestorer — restores natural color.’ Why, it 

must — why” — she gasped — ^ht — it must be 

You’ve hit it — ha ! ha ! ha !” laughed George, 
and he added: ^^The widow must object to white 
hair.” Taking the bottle from Cora he placed it 
where he had found it, and went and sat with her 
on the sofa. 

^^But papa’s hair is beautiful,” indignantly de- 
clared Cora. 

^^So it is,” agreed Maude. ^^What does he want 
with such stuff?” 

^Tapa must be crazy to think of such a thing.” 

60 


A Youngf Old Man* 


^^Cora, where is Tom asked Mr. Abbott, enter- 
ing the room. 

^^He has gone to see N'ellie, papa.” 

^‘^Gone to see Nellie ?” he repeated. ^^What busi- 
ness has he to go to see Nellie? I must see him. 
I want him.” 

^‘^He will soon come, Mr. Abbott,” Maude said. 

His glance rested on the bottle. ^^Oh, Lord! 
oh! ah! Go and find Tom, — both of you — all of 
you — oh. Lord ! — I must have Tom — go, I say, 
every one of you — Go! — go at onceT 

^^Oh, papa,” Cora remonstrated, ^There is no 
need of that.” 

^^Scour the neighborhood,” roared Abbott, 
desperately, must have Tom.” 

^^Have patience, papa ; we would be sure to miss 
him, if we were to go now.” 

Abbott was on pins and needles ; what should he 
do? Any moment they might see that bottle of 
dye. He began to hum a tune in a very conscious 
way, and wander about the room. Gradually he 
approached the table; with his back against it, he 
reached behind him for the bottle, and off it went, 
striking the table-leg and breaking. 

Crying, ^^The carpet will be ruined,” Cora sprang 
to pick it up. 

Abbott, giving it a shove with his foot, sent it 


^ Serious Complications* 

flying across the room towards George, who sprang 
to get it, inquiring : ^^What’s that T’ 

Abbott sprang forward, and as George stooped, 
he gave it a kick, and answered : ^^Paregoric ! oh ! 
ah ! ah ! Cod Liver Oil! Oh ! oh ! Good LordP^ 
This time, Maude made a grab and captured 
it. Abbott snatched it from her (cutting her 
hand), and put it in his pocket. 

Cora went to find the housemaid, George fol- 
lowed her, and Maude went to bind her hand. 

Abbott picked up the fragments of glass, put 
them in his pocket, and said to himself, ^^Glad 
they didnT see that label; they would think that 
I am crazy. It’s too bad about the stains on the 
rug. Guess it’ll come out.” 

Delighted at the success of his maneuver, he 
began his ^^one, two, three, four, kick,” and kicked 
until the servant came to renovate the carpet. 


62 


A Tangle^ 


CHAPTEE VIL 

A TAN-GLE. 

The day of the party had arrived. The draw- 
ing-rooms were gay with their floral decorations, 
for our California people are lavish with their 
flowers. Wagons, carts, buggies, and vehicles of 
every description stopped at the mansion and un- 
leaded flowers by the bouquet, box, basket, and 
bushel. Ben went early in the morning the day 
before, on an expedition of his own; late in the 
afternoon he drove up to the AbbotPs, and with 
a pitchfork, tossed out a load of wild ferns in 
great variety. 

By four o^clock there seemed to be no more 
room for flowers, but still they came. 

E’ellie was out at last, much to Tom’s delight, 
and ready to help the girls with their work. 

Mr. Abbott was in high glee; he danced away 
by himself — one, two, three. ^^My, how young 
I feel,” he said, as he stood on one leg and whirled 
about, as he kicked in the air with the other, 
dance with the best of them to-night,” 

63 


Serfous Complications* 


^^Helloa, little girl/^ he called to Nellie, as she 
came in with Tom. haven’t seen you for a 
year, Tom, I want yon to show me those steps 
again ; I can’t get that kick. Hold on a minute, 
I’ll get into my dress suit; it has just come.” 

^^Come, boys and girls,” called Cora from the 
dining-room; ^There is a bushel of flowers out 
here; come out and let’s see what we can do with 
them.” 

Mr. Abbott went upstairs; Tom and Nellie 
went into the dining-room. 

^^George,” said Cora, ^^go into the other room, and 
get my scissors, I left my basket in there, and you 
will find them in it. Go now, thaCs a good boy.” 

George entered, and after turning everything 
topsy-turvy in the basket, without finding them, 
he said to himself: ^^The room is unoccupied; 
everybody is busy ; I’ll call her and see her alone/^ 
Going to the door, he called: ^Tome here a mo- 
ment, Cora.” 

^^Can’t you find them, you goose?” Cora said 
as she entered. ^^That’s just like a man.” 

^^What ? A goose ?” 

^^Nonsense! You are a gander.” 

^^You promised to tell me about that actress 
joke; tell me now.” 

^^Well, I wrote to Mrs. W. B. E. No. 2, and in- 

64 


A Tangier 


formed her that Mrs. Laura Ealeigh, of ^Magnolia 
Villa/ is the widow of her late husband^s 
brother. I also told her that Mrs. Laura knows 
nothing of the death of her predecessor (Mrs. 
W. B. E. No. 1). I told her to come and visit 
me; and just for a lark, to have her mother come 
along, and accept the invitation from Mrs. Laura 
(representing herself as Mrs. W. B. E. No. 1), 
and present herself at Mrs. Laura Ealeigh’s house. 
Won’t that be jolly, George? Ha! ha! ha! ha!” 

^^Is she very beautiful ?” inquired he. 

^mo? The old lady?” 

^^No, no! The young widow, of course. Fm 
not interested in old women.” 

^^Exquisitely beautiful — ^you — ^you won’t fall in 
love with her, George ?” 

^^Well, I am very susceptible, you know, to femi- 
nine charms — if you don’t claim ownership to my 
heart before she gets here — it — well — it might 
go 

^^Where’s ^papa,’ Cora ?” Mrs. Ealeigh in- 
quired sweetly, appearing in the doorway. ^H’ve 
made him a white tie for this evening.'’^ 

really don’t know, Mrs. Ealeigh,” she an- 
swered. ^Terhaps you may find him in the din- 
ing-room.” 

^^One dance with me to-night, George?” called 

65 


Serious Complications* 


Laura, vanishing into the next room; ^^now don^t 
forget/^ 

Cora turned to him with a laugh, and said: 
^^The old folks are getting giddy. Here’s papa 
jigging away for the past three weeks as if his 
life depended on it; he dances down to break- 
fast; he dances away to bed; and positively, 
George, I caught him bowing himself double, be- 
fore the mirror, this very morning.” 

^^When do you think ^papa’ is going to double 
with the widow Kaleigh ?” 

don’t know. They are very good friends — 
but he does not seem very loverlike.” 

^^Ha ! ha ! ha ! How does a man act when he is 
in love, Cora ?” 

^^Humph ! He generally acts like a foolf’ 

^^Complimentary! Do I act like a fool?” 
never said you did.” 

^^Seriously, how about ^papa’s’ actions ? Doesn’t 
he act like a fool? Begging your pardon for the 
question.” 

^^Well, I don’t see that he pays her any special 
attention — I wonder if he really is thinking of 
matrimony and 

^^Goodness! Cora! Where are your eyes? A 
box of cambric handkerchiefs, against a box of 
Havana cigars^ he popped on the day of our ac- 

66 


A Tangle* 


cident. Didn^t we interrupt their tete-a-tete?’’ 

^^But Nellie is to marry Tom, It would be per- 
fectly ridiculous for papa to marry her mother.” 

^^Spooning, of course/’ said Nellie, entering, 
have no time for such nonsense — come along 
now, both of you, and help dispose of the rest of 
those flowers. Come — soon it will be dinner-time, 
and then we must dress, and then we must dance 
— dance.” Catching Cora about the waist, she 
whirled her about the room and out into the hall. 

George was about to follow, when the dining- 
room door opened and in came Tom. About his 
waist was pinned a red tablecloth which trailed be- 
hind him as he walked. 

, ^^George Washington and Abraham Lincoln!” 
George exclaimed. ^^What’s up now? What’s that 
thing for?” 

Spreading out the cloth, Tom made a low bow, 
and replied : ^^The old gentleman is going to prac- 
tice dancing. This is my train; I am the lady, 
you know.” 

^^Humph! You must enjoy that business.” 

^T’m hoping for a marriage settlement.” 

^^Guess you’ll earn it. Don’t the old gentleman 
know how to dance ?” 

^Tes, like a turkey on a hot griddle. He has 


67 


Serious Complications. 


no idea of time, but he wants to get that kick- 
ity-kick, and he must be humored/^ 

^^Guess I’ll stay and see the fun.” 

^^No! It won’t do — it might embarrass the 
old man.” 

^^Tom,” called Mr. Abbott from the head of the 
stairs, ^^are you there ?” 

^^Yes, father, all ready — come, along.” 

Abbott came down in a long dressing gown; 
he said he had changed his mind about putting on 
his dress suit, because he ^^feared he might get a 
speck on it.” He wanted Maude to play, or he 
would never know when to ^^kick.” George went 
out, and sent her in. 

^mat shall I play, Mr. Abbott?” she asked, 
seating herself at the piano. 

^Tlay that kick — kick 

^^But, father, you can’t kick in that thing,” 
Tom remonstrated. 

^^Yes, I can,” Mr. Abbott said, giving a vigor- 
ous kick. am as limber as an eel. Begin now, 
Maude.” 

Maude played, Abbott put his arm about Tom, 
and began : ^^One — ^two — three — four — kick ” 

^^How, Governor,” Tom said, as his father 
walked all over his toes, and twisted himself up 


68 



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ONE, TWO, THREE, -MY, I’M ’MOST AS YOUNG AS TOM ! ’’—Page 69. 



A Tangle* 


in his drapery, ^^slide your foot this way — don’t 
trample on my train ” 

^^One — two — three ” sang out the old gentle- 
man. ^^My! I am ’most as young as Tom 

^^Kick, father, kick — don’t step on my toes ” 

^Tut your toes in your pocket — one — two — 
three ” 

^^Oh, Lord! Father, do keep off my train — 
here — one — two — ^three — kick — why don’t you 
kick?” 

Mr. Abbott sent his foot vigorously skyward, 
landing a heavy blow on Tom’s thigh, and said: 
‘^Kich? I did kick.” 

^^Yes; so you did. You kicked me. It isn’t 
necessary to kick off the roof— — ” 

^^Well, what did you get in the way for? One 
— two — three — four — well, why don’t you dance ?” 

‘^And why don’t you kick in time?” 

^^When shall I kick?” 

^^Kick when you say four — and don’t try to hit 
the chandelier.” 

^^All right — try again — here goes — one — two — 
three — thunder! What the devil have you got 
that pin there for!” exclaimed Mr. Abbott, as he 
tore his hand on a pin in Tom’s drapery, and 
started an original dance. 

^^Never mind,” said Tom; ^Try again — one — 

69 


Serious Complications^ 


two — three — kick/^ Down came his foot on 
Abbott’s toes. 

Hobbling about on one leg, while he nursed his 
foot with his hand, he yelled at Tom, ''You — you, 
sir — why, you dance like a buffalo calf.” 

^^Maude, play the lancers,” Tom ordered. 

Abbott, still hopping about on one foot, strenu- 
ously objected. ^^No, no,” said he, want to get 
that kick-kick.” 

^^Oh, you can kick up-to-date. Governor.” 

^^Do I ? — Do I f asked Abbott, in delight. 

^^Yes, but always have a room to yourself when 
you do it,” said Tom drily. ^Tt’s dangerous for — 
others/' 

^^Hey? Humph! You can’t do that kick 
yourself, that’s what’s the matter with you," 
snapped the old gentleman. 

^^We will try the lancers — bow to me — I’m your 
partner, you know.” 

Abbott bowed to him; turning to the corner 
he bowed and said : ^^Bow to the corner.” 

The young people, hidden behind the portieres, 
shrieked with laughter. Tom clapped his hands 
and shouted : ^^Bravo ! Bravo, old boy ! — Oh,* — ha ! 
ha !” 

Mr. Abbott didn’t enjoy being laughed at, and 
he objected to being called ^^old boy.” What’s 

70 


A Yangte^ 


that? What’s that, sir?” he indignantly asked of 
Tom. ^^What do you mean, sir?” 

Mr. Abbott had practiced dancing for three 
weeks; he had learned to ^^bow to the corner.” 

^^Swing your partner,” called Tom. 

Abbott, about used up, tangled himself in Tom’s 
drapery, stumbled against a chair, and down he 
went, pulling Tom on top of him. 

Nellie laughed heartily, as she gave her hand 
to Tom, and helped him to rise, while George 
rescued the old gentleman. 

Molly entered, bringing a bundle, and said: 
^^Mees Nellie, your mamma send me bring dot 
pundle, and somedings — she vas say you not come 
home to dress— I vill put dot pundle here.” Lay- 
ing it on a chair, she went out, just as the bell 
rang for dinner. 

Cora slipped her arm about Nellie and danced 
out into the dining-room, followed by the other 
young people. 

am slightly tired; I will stay here and rest 
awhile,” Mr. Abbott said, as he sank into an easy- 
ehair, and, breathing with an effort, rubbed his 
shins. 

Suddenly remembering the parcel that Molly 
had brought, Nellie ran back to get it. 

Mr. Abbott called softly: ^^Nellie?” 

1 \ 


Sctioiss Complications* 


^^Did you speak, Mr. Abbott?” Nellie asked. 

Eising from the chair, he seated himself on the 
sofa, and replied, ^^Yes, Nellie — come and sit here 
by me. I\e something to say to you.” 

Nellie went and sat beside him. 

h’m! It^s awfully warm in this room, 
don’t you think so?” 

^^Why, no. But you have been exercising, and 
you are tired, you know.” After a pause Nellie 
said: ^^You wanted to speak to me, Mr. Abbott?” 

^^Oh — ah — ^yes, dear — we will have a nice quiet 
little talk by ourselves. You like this place very 
much, don’t you? Seems like home, eh, dear?” 

^^Yes, sir,” she replied. 

^^You are very fond of — of — of Cora?” 

^^What a funny question — ^ha! ha! ha! Cer- 
tainly I am.” 

^^And you like Tom — ^too — ^pretty well, don’t 
you ?” 

^^Why, yes, of course,” Nellie answered in some 
surprise, ^^and I think a great deal of you, too.” 

am last but not least/’ said Mr. Abbott, with 
a melting look at her. ^^Cora will, I suppose, some 
day marry George; and then — well — you could 
be mistress of this house, direct the servants, mend 
the linen — in fact, you could make this place an 


72 


A Tangfle* 


earthly paradise — and — and— be such a sweet 
little wife/' 

^^He intends to give this place to Tom/^ thought 
she. 

suppose you would like to be married, would 
you not?^^ Mr. Abbott questioned. 

^^Not just yet. Mamma says I am too young; 
I am not quite eighteen yet, you know.^^ 

^^Say when Cora is married 
^^Yes, if mamma is willing.^^ 

^^Oh, she will be willing. I have spoken to 
her on a subject that interests us all, and I re- 
quested her to speak to you about it. I presume 
she has done so. Eh, dear?^^ 

^^Oh, yes, yes,^^ she said, nervously. 

^And you are perfectly willing 
^Anything that makes mamma happy, pleases 
me.^^ 

^Then you are perfectly happy 
^^Very happy. 

^^You will give me a warm place in your heart — 
you will love me?^^ 

^^Very dearly, Mr. Abbott. 

^^Don^t call me Mr. Abbott, my peV^ he said, 
imprinting a kiss upon her lips. 

^^It would be rather premature to call him 
papa,^^ thought she, but she made no comment. 
73 


Setiolis Compiicationg* 


Cora appeared in the doorway; ^^Nellie, come 
to dinner; yon will be late in getting dressed. 
Papa, why in the wide world don^t you come and 
get your dinner 

Nellie skipped out. Abbott followed, taking 
a. dancing step, and singing, ^^One — two — three — 
kick.^^ 

Cora crossed the room and lowered the shade; 
turning, she beheld Mrs. Ealeigh’s servants, in 
their Sunday best, standing in the doorway. 
^^Why, Molly, what do you want?’’ she asked. 

^^Vell, Mees Cora, I vants nodings; but Meeses 
Ealeigh, she vas send me ofer to help mit de ladies’ 
dresses; und Fritz, he vas come to vait mit de 
door, or de refreshments, or somedings,” Molly 
replied. 

Cora was inclined to be vexed at Laura’s 
officiousness. She left the room, saying: ^^Yery 
well, then,” but she neglected to tell the servants 
where to go. 

Left to themselves, Fritz and Molly glanced 
about the room and took in the floral and other 
decorations. 

^^Cheemeny !” exclaimed Fritz. ^^Dere vas in dees 
house, grade doings going on.” 

^^Yah,” Molly replied, ^ffiot vas vone vat you 

74 


A Tancrle* 


call ^im — hall ? Dey have vone dose dot blace verf 
I life pefore — all de laties, dey hafe de peautiful 
long dresses — de shentlemans, dey hafe de coadt 
mid de two tails pehint — und de low necked vests, 
den dey hafe de music und all dose playtings — 
und de ribbons — und dose laties, dey chase der- 
selfes round, dose shentlemans mit dose ribbons — 
dose shentlemans, dey go on der knees mit dose 
ribbons — den dey get up, dose shentlemans, und 
den dose laties chase demselfes mit dose shentle- 
mans round demselfes some more mit dose ribbons 
— und dey call dot nonsense — von Shermon, I 
nefer see dot foolishness in Shermony/^ 

^^Mine gracious! Dey do dot? You don^t 
sayr 

^^Dot^s so. Dey do dot und den dey eads some- 
dings."^^ 

^^Yell, veil! Dees feller vill pee on hand ven 
dere is somedings to eadt. Don^t you forget dot, 
py Christmas.^^ 

Mrs. Ealeigh, arrayed in a gorgeous reception 
gown, entered. 

^^Why, Molly !’^ she exclaimed, ^Vhat are you 
doing here? You and Fritz go at once to the 
kitchen. Oh, Molly,''"' she called, as the girl went 
out, ^^find Miss Cora, and tell her I would like 
to speak to her.” 


75 


Serious Complications. 


Mrs. Ealeigh glanced about the room. ^^When 
I am mistress here/^ thought she, have this 
room furnished in crimson and gold. Of course 
Mr. Abbott could not be expected to show much 
taste in furnishing. I’ll have those French win- 
dows taken out and I’ll have a tower built on that 
corner — it will improve the place wonderfully. 
Nellie and Tom can reside at ^Magnolia Villa/ 
Cora will, I suppose, reside with the Eandalls when 
she marries George. I don’t suppose that her 
papa has told her of his intentions yet — of course 
ii would be rather embarrassing for him to do so ; 
111 do it myself. Ah, Cora, here you are; I 
wanted to speak to you,” she said, as Cora came 
in. 

^^You sent for me?” 

^^Yes, dear, sit here by me; I’ve something to 
say to you,” said Mrs. Ealeigh, seating herself 
on the sofa. suppose you have noticed the 
attachment between — ^between — Tom and Nellie — 
young eyes are quick to detect — lovers.” 

^^Why, of course, Nellie told me when she told 
you. Don’t you remember? Nellie and I con- 
fide in each other, and Tom is my brother.” 

^^When they are married, the families will be 
more closely related.” 

^^I shall have a dear little sister.” 

76 


A Tangfle* 


^^Nellie will have a papa/^ After a pause she 
repeated: — Nellie will have a papa” 

^^Yes, I suppose so.” 

^^Has ^papa^ ever suggested that the families 
may be even more closely connected?” 

^^No, never.” 

^^Then you do not know that before Nellie has 
a papa, you will have a mamma ? He has not in- 
timated as much?” 

^Tapa has not taken me into his confidence.” 

^^But you are satisfied ? you are perfectly 
willing ?” 

Anything that makes papa happy, pleases me, 
Mrs. Ealeigh.” 

^^Good girl — but you must learn not to call me 
Mrs. Ealeigh — Ifil have another daughter.” 

^^But it is rather premature to call you mother.” 

Mr. Abbott came dancing in. Kissing his 
fingertips, he gracefully tossed a kiss to the de- 
lighted Laura. ^^Helloa!” he called. ^^Are you 
here? You came early.” 

go,” said Cora, seizing the opportunity to 
make her escape. Under her breath, she said: 
^^Elderly lovers are as silly as young ones — and 
three is a crowd.” 

Mrs. Ealeigh arose from the sofa, and extend- 
ing both hands to Mr. Abbott, she said: ^^You 

77 




Serious Complications* 


look as happy as a bird. If you were a bird, you 
would spread your wings and soar away.^^ 

^^Hever declared he, taking her hands, ^^Hever ! 
Leave my darling? h[ever!’^ 

‘^*How fond he is of me,^^ she thought. Then 

she said: ^^Oh, Mr. Abbott — Paul 

^^ThaPs right — call me Paul.^^ 

^^And you must call me Laura.’^ 

^^Certainly; certainly.^^ To himself he said: 
^^H’m, I couldn’t very well call her ^mother.’ ” 
suppose that before very long there will be 
another brilliant social event here — Paul.” 

^^Hey — eh? What?” he ejaculated, sitting 
down. 

‘^AYhy, a wedding,” said Laura meaningly, seat- 
ing herself beside him. 

^‘^Mine? My wedding? Do you mean mine?” 
^^Why, no, no; of course not, my dear — Cora’s 

— Nellie and I will be married at home 

^^Hey! Whatf' ejaculated Abbott, half rising 
from his chair in intense surprise. ^^You — youve 
been hit by Cupid’s dart? The little rascal must 
camp in this neighborhood. How strange that 
Nellie didn’t tell me.” 

It was now her turn to be surprised; with a 
puzzled expression she looked at him in astonish- 
ment. ^^N ellie — didn’t — tell — ^you ? What ?” 

78 


A Tangle* 


^^Why shouldn’t she tell me? She will become 
a member of this family — you gave your con- 
sent.” 

^^Gave my consent! Why shouldn’t I give my 
consent ? What has that to do with you and me ?” 
she asked, becoming more and more perplexed. 

am very fond of Tom. Why should I not con- 
sent ?” 

^^Fond of Tom?” he vociferated. ^^What the 
devil are you driving at? What in thunder do 
you mean, madam?” 

^^What do I mean ? What do you mean ?” asked 
Mrs. Ealeigh in amazement. ^^There is no cause 
for jealousy — why should I not be fond of Tom?” 

^T’ll — I’ll — speak to Tom,” shouted Mr. Abbott, 
springing to his feet. 

^^Speak to Tom,” she echoed, hastily rising. 
^^You — will — speak — to Tom?” 

Abbott paced the floor in excitement. ^^Good 
Lord !” said he, ^T’ll have a stroke of apoplexy.” 
Turning furiously on Laura Ealeigh, he roared: 
^Aladam, I’ll talk this matter over with you to- 
morrow; I’ll speak to Tom first;” then angrily 
rang the bell. 

‘^^Tell some one to send Mr. Tom to me at once,” 
said Mr. Abbott to the servant who answered the 


79 


Serious Complications* 


bell. Addressing Mrs. Ealeigh, he roared: 
wish to see my son alone, madam.^^ 

^^Very well, sir,’’ she indignantly replied. 
wish you to understand, sir, that you are no gen- 
tleman, sir,” and she left the room. 

^^And I can say the same of you,” called the old 
m-an after her. 


80 


Two Announcements* 


CHAPTER VIIL 

TWO ANNOUNCEMENTS. 

Pacing the room like a caged lion, the old gen- 
tleman voiced his indignation thus : ^^Now I guess 
the devil is loose. Was it Shakespeare said ^Be- 
ware of the viddy^? No, it couldn’t have been 
Shakespeare. Who the dickens was it, anyway? 
Well, no matter — he knew what he was talking 
about. Good Lord! That woman’s old enough 
to be — ^to be — Tom’s mother! She has designs 
on Tom, eh? Humph! He is only a boy — why, 
it was only a year ago or so that he was in knee 
pants. H’m — after Tom — that Raleigh woman — 
tricky, designing, old. I’ll put a stop to this 
nonsense. I’ll bring him up with a short turn. 
Disgrace the family, scandalize the community. 
I’ll— I’ll 

^^You sent for me, father?” interrupted Tom, 
calling from upstairs. 

^^Yes, sir! Come down here,” answered the 
old gentleman. 


81 


Serious Complications* 


here I am/^ said Tom, entering, 
sent for you, sir — ^yes, sir — ^you rascal, sir — 
I want to know, sir, what the devil you mean, 
sir, by your conduct, sir?’^ roared Abbott. ^^Do 
you think, sir, that Idl allow you, sir, to make a 

confounded, infernal ass of yourself, sir 

^^Hold on — hold on here! What the devil are 
you driving at?^^ shouted Tom, striving vainly to 
make himself heard. 

^^What the devil do you mean, sir, by engaging 

yourself, sir, without consulting me, sir 

^^Hold on — hold on, or you’ll burst a blood 
vessel. I don’t ” 

am to be considered, sir — the family is to be 

considered, sir. Yes, sir ” 

propose to marry to suit myself, sir ’ 

— ah — a — ah — eh?” Abbott was purple with 
rage. 

‘^You didn’t consider the family in your choice,” 
retorted Tom. 

^^Hold your tongue, sir 

^^You didn’t ask my consent to ” 

^^Your consent!” shrieked Abbott. ^^Your con- 
sent! I have made a suitable choice, sir 

^^So have I,” Tom declared. 

^T’ll cut you off with a nickel, sir ” 

The old man had struck a vulnerable spot. 

82 


Two Announcements* 


^^Because I shall make an angel my wife/^ said 
Tom, bitterly. 

^An angel sneered his father, ^^an angel! 
Humph ! That Ealeigh woman an angel ! That 
tricky, designing 

Tom was furious. ^^Stop — father, stop 

shouted he, at the top of his voice, ‘‘Til not listen 
to another wordf" 

^^You are an infernal idiot ; a blasted, doggoned 
ass. I — ah! ah! ohV’ 

The old gentleman, too furiously angry to 
speak another word, stalked out of the room, meet- 
ing Cora and George in the doorway. 

Tom was excitedly walking. 

George called out, ^^Helloa, Tom, what^s the 
row ? The old gentleman seems to be considerably 
excited.^^ 

^^He is mad — rearing, tearing mad,^^ Tom an- 
swered, and marched out to find Yellie. 

^^Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha laughed George ; ^^not the 
slightest doubt of that.^^ 

^^Out of sorts with everybody — ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! 
— a lover’s quarrel, you know. Oh, George, isn’t 
it funny ? Ha ! ha ! ha !” laughed Cora. 

^^You don’t mean ” 

^^Ha ! ha ! ha ! Yes, I do,” she interrupted. 
^^My papa intends to give me a mamma, and my 

83 


Serious Complications* 


papa and my mamma-to-he have had a spat — • 
s-p-a-t, spat. Ha ! ha ! ha V’ 

^^Quarreled asked George, in amazement. 
^^Yes, George; sad to relate, it is so. Molly 
overheard them, and I overheard her tell Susan. 
I always hear everything.^^ 

^^Aha! Then I was right in my conclusions — 
they are engaged.^^ 

^^They were engaged. She herself informed 
me of the fact a moment ago. Now — they have 
had a row. Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha V’ 

^^What do think about it, Cora?’^ 

^^Two old fools — oh! oh! I didn’t mean to 
sa}^ that. Ha ! ha ! ha ! It’s ridiculous — per- 
fectly absurd. They ought to know better; but I 
suppose they will marry.” 

^Tact. When will Cora marry George?” 

^^Oh, when she has time to think about it.” 
^^You love me, don’t you?” 

^^Oh, perhaps. It doesn’t pay to be too precipi- 
tate, — the old couple have quarreled already, 
George;” and she looked at him out of the corner 
of her eye. 

^^Will you take me?” he persisted. 

^^Yes, if — if — ha! ha! ha! Oh, George.” 

If what?” 


84 


Two Announcements* 


if I don’t take somebody else. Ha! ha! 

ha r 

Kising from beside her, George went across the 
room, seated himself carelessly in an easy-chair, 
and said: ^^Well, I’ll leave the field to that ^some- 
body else.’ I believe yon said that the young 
widow is exquisitely beautiful — lovely — charming. 
She will arrive soon — and 

^^George?” 

^^Miss Abbott.” 

^^George, are you very fond of me?” 

^^Oh, well, ‘^kissing goes by favor.’ I might be as 
fond of some one else,” he answered. Crossing 
his knees, he settled back comfortably in the chair, 
and whistled ^^The Girl I Left Behind Me.” 

Finally Cora again called: ^^George?” 

^^Miss Abbott?” 

^^Come over here, George.” 

^Gt’s too much trouble — I’m very comfortable 
where I am.” 

^^Come nearer, George. I have to talk too 
loud.” 

^‘^Then don’t talk. It is too much trouble to get 
up. Miss Cora.” 

Another pause, and she again said: ^^George?” 
^^Yes.” 


85 


Serious Complications* 


^^Come over here, I want to tell you some- 
thing/^ 

^^Well, tell it. I^m not deaf.^^ 

^^But you are too far away ; and 

George rose; going halfway across the room he 
sat down again^ saying: ^^Tell it.^^ 

^^Georger 

^^Well, I am listening.'’^ 

said I wanted to tell you something,'^ 

^^1 have not objected; why don^t you tell it?’^ 
^^It’s a secret.^^ 

^^Then dont tell it.^^ 

^^Come nearer, Oh^ George — I — I — do — ^love 
— ^you — and — and 

^^And what?^^ he asked, seating himself beside 
her on the sofa. 

— I — wont let you make love to the widow — 
so there r 

^^Will you marry me?^^ 

^^Yes, George.^^ 

There was a swift movement of two pairs of 
arms, that sent the rosebud flying from the button- 
hole of George’s coat, and irretrievably smashed 
the flowers that adorned Cora’s corsage. There 
were several sounds that might have been mistaken 
for the popping of champagne corks. 


I 


86 







^m. 


l_I_WON’T LET YOU MAKE LOVE TO THE WIDOW— SO 

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Two Annotincements* 


Putting his head in at the open door, Tom called 
out: ^^Helloa, there, if I am intruding 

^‘^Oh, Lord, no,^^ said George, springing up; 
^^congratulate me, and announce our engagement 
this very night — will you ? She has promised 
at last/' 

^‘^Oh, you miserable wretch,^^ exclaimed Cora to 
George; ^^just see what you have done — you have 
smashed my sleeves/^ 

^That’s nothing; it can’t hurt the sleeves. 
You nearly smashed my heart/' 

The guests were now arriving, and Fritz, the 
stableman, was stationed at the door to admit 
and announce them. And this is the way he did 
it : Putting his head in at the drawing-room door, 
ho shouted, ‘^Here vas all dot family of dose 
Yilliams; und Meester Bob, he vas here too,” he 
added, as Bob, with Maude on his arm, entered 
the room. 

Nellie came in and fastened a flower in Tom’s 
coat. Abbott came in and sat down, looking as 
awkward as a crab, in his new suit. 

^^Here vas dose flddler fellers,” yelled Fritz, 
making the motion of drawing a bow. 

Laura appeared in the dining-room door. She 
had ordered a new gown for this reception, and she 
had made up her mind to be present. ^After all,” 
87 


Serious Complications^ 


thought she, ^^isn’t Nellie to marry Tom? Ill 
not stay away/^ 

Thick and fast the guests were arriving. 
^^Here vas dot — Vat-you-call-^’m/^ called out Fritz, 
as ^^Vat-you-call-^m^^ entered, his face scarlet with 
indignation; for ^^Vat-you-call-’m’^ was a titled 
gentleman. 

The musicians struck up a waltz. The dance 
over, Tom led Nellie to a seat near his father, 
and, when all were seated, he said : The cotillion 
will be led by George Kandall and Cora Abbott, 
whose engagement I announce.^^ 

Mr. Abbott, his face beaming with delight, 
sprang to his feet, and almost jerking Nellie out 
of her seat, called: ^^And this little lady has 
promised to be my wife.^^ 

^^Your wife! You lunatic!^^ shrieked Tom, as 
Nellie, half dead with fright, cried out, ^^Oh, Tom ! 
• — Tom 1’^ and sprang into his arms. 

Laura Ealeigh, springing forward, struck first 
with one hand and then the other, two sounding, 
stinging blows on Abbott’s face, and shrieked at 
him, ^^You wretch! You monster!” and fell 
fainting in Bob’s arms. 

All was confusion. Some of the ladies gath- 
ered up their skirts and made a hasty retreat; 
others gathered in the corners and wrung their 

88 


Two Announcements* 


hands, and shrieked. Cora and George induced 
Mr. Abbott to let them take him to his room. 
Laura was laid on the sofa, Nellie was hysterical. 
When Laura Ealeigh was sufficiently recovered, she 
and Nellie, accompanied by Bob, went home in the 
carriage. 

The principal characters in this drama gone, 
no explanations were forthcoming. The remain- 
ing guests gathered in groups and discussed the 
affair. Finally, Mr. Wilber Eandall informed 
those who had showed no inclination to take their 
departure, that it was his belief that Mr. Abbott 
was suffering from the effects of gas, adminis- 
tered by the dentist who had extracted his teeth; 
and not being entirely responsible for his actions, 
he had probabaly taken more wine at dinner than 
was good for him. 

Mrs. Wilber Eandall said that she hoped they 
would understand and appreciate Miss Corals posi- 
tion, and excuse her ; the carriages would be called, 
and they were requested to take their departure, 
as it was necessary that Mr. Abbott be kept per- 
fectly quiet. 

When Fritz closed the door after the last de- 
parting guest, Molly came down the stairs and 
said: ^^Mees Cora, she vas dell me, ve vas to go to 


89 


Serious Complications* 


de kitchen^ und get somedings to eadt. Meester 
Obbott, — he vas seek/’ 

^‘^Vell^ I vas all readty ven dere vas somedings 
to eadt/^ Fritz answered. 

Going to the kitchen, they found all the servants 
of the ^^Eiverside Neighbors’^ assembled; we may 
be sure they all did justice to the good things pro- 
vided for the supper. 

^^This bates the worruld, so it do/’ said Pat 
(the stableman) ; ^^them guests they do be afther 
lavin’ the primises widout a bite to ate; wid der 
stumickses impty, an’ not a dhrap o’ onything to 
dhrink a-tall-a-tall ; ther whistles av them as 
dhry as an impty whiskey bottle, begorra.” 

^^All the more for us then, Pat,” remarked Ben, 
— ^^so, Fritz?” 

^^Yah, dot vas so,” answered Fritz, his mouth 
full of cake, ^^und dees feller vas alvays readty to 
eadt it.” 

^^What f ol allee folks go ?” questioned Sing. 
no sabbee — Missee Cola, she tellee me evelybody 
stay — two — tlee — clock. Wachee mallee ?” 

^^Vy! I vas dell you dot Meester Obbott, he 
vas seek,” answered Molly. 

^^Te ! he ! he ! he ! he !” squeaked the Chinaman, 
no tinkee he sick, — te ! he ! he ! He not velly 
sick, — he allee same heap clazy, — te! he! What 
90 


T wo Announcements# 


fol allee time hoppee — ^jump alound, allee same 
hoppee flog, te ! he ! he ! He ollee man — he not 
chillen, — I know, he heap clazy, te! he! he! he! 
te! her 

^^Give me another dish of ice cream, Sing,^^ said 
Ben. 

tinkee you allee gettee sick,^^ said Sing. 
^^You Ben, you Flitz, eatee too mnehee.^^ Patting 
his stomach, he added : ^^Heap big bell, yon gottee, 
Ben — ^te! he! he! Him Flitz, he gettee achee in 
bell, — te! he! he! Allee light — ^you eatie — I no 
care — ^heap plenty slandwich, cake, ice cleam, 
evelyting.^^ 

^^Onything to dhrink, ye pigtailed haythen?^^ 
asked Pat. 

^‘^Hnh! what fol you talkee me? You Ilish — 
huh \” 

^^Give us a dhrink to wet the w'histles av us, 
Sing.^^ 

^^Me no likee Ilish — ^you gettee self.” 

^^Begorra, Ben, there’s a big pail full av 
limonad,” said Pat. ^G’m afther squozing thim 
limons meself, so oi did; let’s be afther gittin’ 
av it before it’s spoilt intoirely.” 

‘^Ben,” called Mrs. Kandall, ^Ve are ready to 
go home now. Drive around.” 


n 


Serious Complications* 


CHAPTER IX. 

IlSr A FIX. 

Molly and Fritz walked home across the 
meadow at midnight, and the morning found 
neither one of them in a very amiable mood. 

Nellie had a headache, and was late to break- 
fast; and for the first time, Molly was impatient 
with her. 

Mrs. Raleigh had not closed her eyes in sleep. 
She had turned the conversation between herself 
and Mr. Abbott over and over in her mind; the 
more she thought about it, the more she felt that 
she had been outrageously abused. She felt an 
angry resentment towards Mr. Abbott, in spite of 
the fact that she had come to the conclusion that 
he was drunk when he announced that he was to 
marry Nellie. 

It never occurred to her that he was in ignorance 
of Tom’s engagement to the young girl, and if 
for a moment she had suspected that the old gen- 
tleman was in love with her daughter, she would 

92 


In a Fix* 


have thought that he had taken leave of his senses. 
Almost any one would have thought the same. 

George was convinced that Cora’s father was 
out of his mind, and told her so. She was more 
than half inclined to believe it. Subsequently the 
^^Kiverside [Neighbors” arrived at the same con- 
clusion, and poor Mr. Abbott found himself in a 
very serious situation. 

Mr. Abbott had proposed to IsTellie with her 
mother’s approval, as he supposed, and he had, as 
he believed, been accepted. He could not under- 
stand why she was so frightened when he made 
his engagement known. Why had her mother 
committed assault and battery upon him? Why 
was there such a commotion? All this was bad 
enough, but on top of all these trials and tribula- 
tions, Tom — his son — had accused him of being 
drunk, and there seemed to be but one solution, 
to the indignity and outrage that had been in- 
flicted upon him; Mrs. Ealeigh had made up her 
mind to marry Tom, or prevent him from marry- 
ing Hellie. But then Hellie had clung to Tom — 
why was that? ^^A drowning man will catch at 
a straw.” Tom was handy — the poor little girl 
was afraid of her mother — of course that ex- 
plained it all, to his satisfaction. 

Mrs. Ealeigh had slapped his face in his own 

93 


Serious Complications* 


house, and in the presence of his guests — ^wouldn’t 
she make a desirable mother-in-law! 

Mr. Abbott^s blood boiled with indignation at 
the insult Mrs. Kaleigh had inflicted upon him. 
He would see the woman and demand an explana- 
tion. He had spoken to Tom — evidently his 
children were leagued with her against him. 

Poor Mr. Abbott had become entangled in a 
net ; and the more he struggled, the more securely 
he was bound. He found himself in a most de- 
plorable predicament. 


94 


The WicJow< 


CHAPTER X. 

THE WIDOW. 

^^Your station, madam.^^ 

Giving the bell-rope a pull, the conductor made 
a grab for basket and grip, piled on a seat op- 
posite a funny little old lady, in a widow’s dress. 

^^Only stop a moment, madam — wayside station, 
you know — this way, please.” 

The little old lady gathered up the rest of her 
belongings, and followed the conductor to the plat- 
form of the car. 

Handing the basket and grip to the brakeman, 
the conductor lifted her bodily, and set her down 
on the platform of the little box station, just as 
her trunks turned a somersault from the door of 
the baggage car and landed on end, in front of the 
little waiting-room that had been built on Abbott’s 
property for the convenience of ^^Riverside Xeigh- 
hors.” 

Before the widow could collect her wits, the 
train was under motion and nearly out of sight. 
Picking up her satchel and basket from the ground 

95 


Serious Complications* 


where the brakeman had thrown them^ she looked 
about her; not a soul was in sight. 

Seating herself on a bench, she removed a pair 
of smoked glasses. ^Terhaps/^ she said to herself, 
^^the train is ahead of time, or there may be some 
delay in getting the carriage ready.^^ 

Glancing up at the front of the station, she read 
in big white letters (framed in black) on the 
door, ^^Abbott’s Station.^^ ^^This must be on the 
Abbott’s land,” thought she. 

Catching a glimpse through the trees, of a 
stately building, she said aloud : wonder if that 

can be Cora Abbott’s home?” 

A tiny bird flew down, and alighting at her feet 
looked saucily up at her. She tossed a few crumbs 
from her basket; he pecked them up and flew 
away. 'Now and then came the scent of orange 
blossoms. She heard the murmurings of the river ; 
no other sound, save the twittering of the birds, 
and the humming of bees, as they flew from flower 
to flower, disturbed the stillness. The air was 
soft and balmy. She inhaled it with delight, and 
thought: ^^At last I am in Southern California; 
my dream is realized. This is Southern Cali- 
fornia as IN’ature made it, with man’s assistance. 
It is grand and beautiful. Mrs. Ealeigh is right 
— it is a paradise.” 


96 


The Widow* 


She looked at her watch. ^^Why/^ said she 
aloud, been here an hour ; that seems strange. 
It is getting along towards noon, and no one has 
come to meet me.^^ She opened her satchel, took 
out a book and tried to read; half an hour more 
passed — she was beginning to get anxious, 
^mow! Whow, there r 
The widow (or, as I shall call her, Mrs. W. B.), 
clapped on her glasses. ^^At lasV^ thought she, 
^^some one has come for me.^^ 

A team turned the corner of the station, and 
backed a big farm wagon up to the platform. 

She began to feel troubled; for a moment she 
hesitated, and then she went forward, and en- 
quired of the man who jumped down from the seat, 
if he could direct her to ^^Magnolia Villa.” 

^Tt is over there,” said he, pointing with his 
whip ; ^^but, good Lord, madam, you^d be just dead 
beat out, if you tried to walk there. Were the 
folks expecting of you?” he inquired. didn’t 
hear Fritz telling that anybody was bein’ ex- 
pected there to-day, madam.” 

^They must have received my letter. I don’t 
understand why no one has come for me.” 

^^Well, well, madam, something has gone amiss, 
I’ll be bound; maybe they was not expectin’ of 
you until evenin’, mam. I can drop in an’ tell 

97 


Sctioxss Complications* 


the folks as I pass. I live just t’other side of the 
Ealeigh’s; but you see, mam, that it takes time to 
load up this here freight, mam.” 

^^You say,” said Mrs. W. B., ^‘that you live just 
beyond the Ealeigh place?” 

^^Yes, mam. I am the EandalFs man,” he 
answered. 

An idea occurred to her, and trying to suppress 
an inclination to laugh outright, she said: ^^I’ll 
go along with you; it will save time.” 

^^Lord’s sake, madam! An old lady like you? 
Heavens! How could you stand it? But of 
course, mam, if you don’t mind. I’ll be proud to 
take you up. Let me see,” said he, meditatively, 
^^it might be easy enough for you to get up, but it 
wouldn’t be so very easy to get down. Now, if 
you were a young girl, like Miss Cora or Miss 
Nellie 

^^Oh, I’m all right — I’m pretty spry.” 

^‘^Well, I guess we can manage it. You’re a 
little woman — I can lift you down.” 

Ben (for it was he) loaded up the freight. 
^'Now, madam,” said he, ^^these here trunks, I 
’spect, air your’n. I’ll take them along, as there’s 
plenty of room. Now, madam, put your foot on 
the hub, so — that’s it — take my hand, now step 
on the top of the wheel, so — that’s it — now take 
98 


The Widow. 


hold of the back of the seat, and give a spring, and 
there you are/^ 

^^Oh — oh, dear — oh,^^ called Mrs. W. B., as she 
seated herself and looked down at Ben, ^‘1 cannot 
sit up here. Oh, dear ! I feel giddy ; I’m afraid 
I shall fall headlong between the horses’ hoofs. 

Oh, dear ! help me to get down and down she 
came. 

Ben took off his cap and scratched his head, 
until he scratched up an idea; then he said; ^^Fll 
fix you — ^just get in back and sit on one of them 
there trunks — if you’re afraid, hold onto the back 
of the seat, or to my coat tails.” 

^^That’s it,” she cried. Clapping her hands 
and laughing merrily, she climbed in, and spring- 
ing lightly over the trunks, seated herself on one 
of them. 

Ben scratched his head again, and looked 
curiously at her, as peal after peal of musical 
laughter burst from her lips. He had never heard \ ' ' ' \ ^ 

an old, white-haired lady laugh like a young girl 
before, and he was completely nonplussed. Won- 
dering to himself, he climbed in and turned the 
horses’ heads towards home. 

Ben was a good-natured fellow of sociable dis- 
position, and he was doing the lady a favor ; so he 

09 


Serious Complications* 


felt it his privilege to entertain her, which he 
did. 

By the time she reached Laura Ealeigh’s house 
she had quite a history of the ^^Eiverside Neigh- 
bors.'’^ 

Ben had been very voluble, and had talked of 
everything and everybody. He had spoken of 
Laura^s brother, but never once had he spoken his 
name (an unaccountable happening). Had he 
done so, this story would have been less interest- 
ing, as Mrs. W. B. would never have gone to ^^Mag- 
nolia Villa.^^ 


100 


Tom^s Pathei** 


CHAPTER XL 
tomb's father. 

On' the morning after the party at Abbott’s, 
Tom and his father had a wordy war, which re- 
sulted in further misunderstanding. 

Abbott declared that he had engaged himself 
to Xellie; that, although Mrs. Raleigh had done 
her best to capture him, he had never thought of 
her as a wife. He declared emphatically, that 
Nellie had promised to be his wife, and that he 
meant to marry her. 

Tom was in as great a state of excitement as 
was the old gentleman, so it is not a matter of 
surprise that he failed to enlighten his father of 
the existing relation between himself and Nellie, 
who was the innocent cause of all this misunder- 
standing. He was at a loss to understand why his 
father persisted in saying he meant to marry the 
little girl. He jumped into his boat and landed 
at her home, to get from her, if possible, an ex- 
planation. The excitement of the night before 

m 


Serious CompIicationjS* 

had been too much for her ; ^^She vas not up yet/^ 
Molly snapped at him, when she answered his 
ring. 

On reaching home again, Tom found his father 
gone. He looked everywhere about the place, and 
so did Cora, but nowhere could the old gentle- 
man be found. George arrived and joined in the 
search, but Mr. Abbott was gone. Going to the 
stable, they found that he had taken his horse. 

After Tom had left his father’s presence, Mr. 
Abbott began pacing the floor, and indulged in the 
following soliloquy: ^^So that Ealeigh woman is 
not after Tom, eh! It’s me — me — ^good Lord! 
It’s me, and she has gone and told everybody that 
she is going to marry me. I’ll see her to the devil 
first — h’m, — marry her! Why, she is old enough 
to be — ^be — well — Nellie’s mother; anyway, she is 
old enough to know better. I’ll go and see her 
and demand an explanation.” 

Walking to the stable he threw his saddle on 
his horse, mounted, and while Tom was returning 
p'om Mrs. Ealeigh’s by the river, Abbott was gal- 
loping along the road on the way there. 

Arriving, he rode into the stable-yard, gave his 
horse into Fritz’s care, went to the house and 
rnng the door bell. want to see Mrs. Ealeigh,” 
said he to Molly, when she opened the door. 

>02 


T^om^s Father. 


Molly had had her instnictions. ^^Meester Ob- 
bott, you cannot see Meeses Haleigh; she vill not 
see you, und I vas peesy/’ Going into the dining- 
room, she began sweeping. 

^^Mrs. Ealeigh won^t see me, eh? She won’t see 
me, eh?” said Abbott, following Molly into the 
room. 

^^ISTo, sir, she vill see nopoty dees day.” 

^^Tell her I’ll stay till she will see me.” 

^^Yell, you vill hafe all de day to stay den. She 
vas not get up yet.” 

Another ring at the bell. Molly laid down the 
broom and went to the door. 

^^Molly, is father here?” 

Abbott recognized Tom’s voice. He opened the 
china-closet door and stepped in, closing it after 
him. 

^^Yah,” answered Molly, ^^he vas say he spend 
de day. He vas in dot dining-room und I vas 
try to sweep dis day. I don’t like dot nonsense.” 

Tom entered. ^^Why, Molly,” said he, ^Tather 
is not here.” 

^^Yy, dot vas so!” she exclaimed, looking in at 
the door; ^^he vas gone alreadty.” 

^^Where do you suppose he went, Molly?” 

^^How you tink I vas know dot?” she snapped. 

Another ring at the bell. Molly laid down her 

f03 


Serious Complications* 


broom, saying: ‘^^Dere vas dot pell some more 
alreadty/^ and angrily she went to answer it. 

^^Molly, is papa here?^^ inquired Cora. 

^^Or Mr. Tom?’^ added George. 

^^I^m here/^ called Tom from the dining- 
room. 

^^Oh, Tom, did you see papa at all this morn- 
ing?’^ asked Cora. 

course I\e seen him, and heard him too. 
He said he was going to marry Nellie — Nellie T 

^Tda ! ha ! The old man has a crack in the upper 
story. He engaged himself to her mother, said 
George. 

^^That^s a lie/^ cried out a voice from the closet, 
followed by a crash and clatter of falling dishes 
and pans. 

Mr. Abbott, being rather cramped for room, and 
tired of standing, had seated himself on a nearly 
empty sugar barrel. When George declared that 
he had engaged himself to Mrs. Ealeigh, he could 
stand no more. Lustily calling out, he attempted 
to rise and make his presence known; the lid of 
the barrel gave way^ and frantically catching at 
the shelf above, down that came, while he, in a 
sitting position, sank towards the bottom of the 
barrel, and was covered by an avalanche of pickles, 
jam, jelly, and broken crockery. 

m 


Tom^s Father. 


The young people looked at each other in as- 
tonishment. Before they could recover, ^^Help! 
oh, help ! I can^t get out,^^ came in a smothered 
voice from the closet. 

George opened the door, and out fell a deluge 
of broken china and glass. A pair of very lively 
legs was all that was visible of Mr. Abbott, but 
from the depths of the barrel came a voice, ‘^Oh, 
Lord! ril smother.^^ 

^^Well, this is a pretty pickle 1^^ exclaimed 
George, as he and Tom rolled the barrel out into 
the room, and proceeded to haul the old gentle- 
man out, first removing the conglomeration com- 
posed of Mrs. Ealeigh’s pickles and preserves. 

Mr. Abbott^s hair was dyed red, his clothes were 
torn in ribbons by the nails in the side of the 
barrel, and, with his face smeared with jelly and 
coated with sugar, he presented a ludicrous ap- 
pearance; but, all unmindful of the figure he cut, 
he stamped his foot with rage, and roared, 
never engaged myself to Mrs. Ealeigh. It was 
Xellie, I tell you— Nellie.^^ 

^^BuV^ said George, ^^Nellie is engaged to Tom.^^ 

A look of astonishment spread over Mr. Abbott^s 
face. In spite of its coating of sweetness, it was 
easy to see that he turned pale. Looking from one 


Serious Complications* 


to the other, he gasped, as he tried to repeat: 
^^Nellie — engaged — to — Tom f 

cried Cora, wringing her hands, ^^his 
mind is unbalanced, no doubt — no doubt. Oh, 
what shall we do? We must inform Mrs. Kaleigh 
of his condition.^^ 

Abbott’s face turned from white to red, under 
its covering of jam. ^^What do you mean? Do 
you think — do you think ” 

^^Come home, father,” interrupted Tom. 

^^You don’t think — oh, Lord!” Again the old 
man’s face blanched. 

^^Come, papa.” 

^T’ll see that damned woman first,” roared 
Abbott. 

^Tather,” remonstrated Tom, ^^don’t go and 
make an infernal ass of yourself. You are acting 
like a fool. What do you mean by it?” 

tell you I thought I was engaged to Yellie.” 

^^ISTellie I Why, Mr. Abbott, you are old enough 
to be her great-grandfather. Ha 1 ha 1 ha ! ha I 
ha !” roared George. 

tell you, his mind’s unbalanced. We all 
hnow that he engaged himself to Nellie’s mother,” 
said Cora. 

The old man was beside himself with rage. 


\Q6 


Tom^s Fatfiet 


never ! never ! That tricky old— Good Lord ! You 

are a set of lunatics — I — that design 

^Tapa, dear, come home with me.” Cora laid 
her hand on his arm as she spoke. 

^^DonT you papa dear me,’^ he roared savagely, 
shaking her hand away. , 

‘^Come, father,^^ said Tom, trying to catch him 
by the arm. 

wonT be papa deared,’^ shrieked Abbott, 
grabbing the broom. 

^^Come, now, Mr. AbbotV^ coaxed George, tak- 
ing the broom away from him. 

see that woman first— I’ll— Idl 

Cora wrung her hands and cried, ^^Oh, Tom, 
Tom. This is awful. Papa, do come home.” 

^^What the devil do you mean? I am not 
crazy !” and Abbott picked up a chair. 

^^Oh, father, do be calm and come home.” 

am calm,” shrieked the old man, fiourishing 
the chair. ^Tt’s you!” 

George made a dive from the rear and captured 
the chair, while Tom tried to hold down the old 
gentleman’s arms ; but Abbott got away, and again 
grabbed the broom, shrieking; won’t go, I tell 


Fritz came hastily in, threw up his hands and 


107 


Serious Complications* 


shouted: ^^Gott in Ilimmel! Vat was all dees 
apout 

^^Help us, Fritz/^ called Tom. 

Three men against one used Abbott up, and 
he collapsed. They lifted him bodily and carried 
him out. 


The Arrival* 


CHAPTEE XIL 

THE ARRIVAL. 

Mr. Abbott could no longer use his legs and 
arms as they carried him out, but he could use 
his voice and he did. 

Molly in the kitchen heard it, and came running 
in. She gave one glance about the room, placed 
her arms akimbo, and said: ^^Yell, dees vas vone 
putty peesness, ain’t it ?” 

Mrs. Ealeigh, upstairs in her bedroom, heard 
the commotion, and jumping out of her bed, ran 
downstairs, and came flying into the room, calling 
out : ^^What’s all this disturbance ?” 

^^It vas dot shentleman, Obbott, Meeses 
Ealeigh,’’ replied Molly. ^^He vas gone off mit 
his headt, und all dosh beobles, dey vas come to 
dake him home. Just look dot barrel — dot lit 
vas busted — look dose deeshes, look dose peekles, 
und dot jam, my! my!” 

^^Hovr did all this happen ?” asked Mrs. 
Ealeigh. 

^^Vell, I tink, Meeses Ealeigh, dot Meester Ob- 

m 


Serious Complications* 


bott he do dot foolishness mit it. He vas say dot 
he vas shpend de day. I does not know vat he vish 
mit dose peekles und dot jam. My! my! he vas 
shmash all dose nice leedle deeshes — mine gra- 
cious 

Fritz entered with a letter in his hand. For 
a moment, he looked askance at Mrs. Kaleigh, who 
seemed perfectly oblivious of the fact that she 
wore her nightgown, then he said : ^^Meeses Ealeigh, 
here vas vone ledder for you. It vas come yester- 
day ven you vas ot dot Obbott house, und den I 
forget dot ledder some more.^^ 

Taking it, Mrs. Abbott said: ^^Eoll that barrel 
out into the kitchen;” then she sat down to read 
her letter. ‘^^Heavens !” she exclaimed. ^Tt is 
from Mrs. Ealeigh ! She will be here on the fifth — 
that’s to-day. Good Lord!” She rang the bell, 
and Molly answered. ^'Go and tell Fritz to get 
the carriage out and go at once to the station for 
an old lady. Find Miss Nellie, and send her here 
to me. Tell Fritz to lose no time. Be quick, 
Molly.” 

Nellie, standing at the head of the stairs, heard 
her mother’s voice and came down. Entering, 
she said : ^^Here I am, mamma. What is the 
matter? What ails this room? Why, mamma, 
you are in your nightdress.’^ 


The Arrival* 


^^Heavens! So I am! Well, I am almost dis- 
tracted. Mrs. Ealeigh will be here to-day, proba- 
bly on the evening train; bnt to avoid a mistake 
I have hurried Fritz to the station now. I hope 
she was not on the morning train. Now, Nellie, 
you must be very quiet and dignified before her. 
She is very austere. I am exceedingly anxious 
to receive her with the most profound respect and 
courtesy. I am especially anxious that you make 
a good impression. Her presence will, during her 
stay, put a quietus on the merrymaking of you 
young folks, but you may be paid well in the end 
for your sacrifice.^^ 

Mrs. Ealeigh started to go upstairs, but return- 
ing, said : ^^Oh, Nellie, I meant to tell you that you 
must not go to the Abbott’s for awhile.” 

^^But, mamma, you ” 

^^My dear, you are not aware that Mr. Abbott 
is demented, and quite violent. Cora and Tom 
may come here as often as they like, but at present 
you must not go there. I shall gp often to see 
the poor man. I will be able to do more to soothe 
and comfort him than a child like Cora, as she 
is young and inexperienced.” 

^Toor Mr. Abbott. I’m so sorry. I almost sus- 
pected that he was crazy.” 

Just then Molly came fiying into the room; in 

m 


Serious Complications* 


her excitement, she nearly upset Mrs. Laura, who 
had turned towards the hall door, intending to go 
back to her room. 

^^Oh, Lord! Lord!’^ exclaimed Molly, waving 
her arms about like the sails of a windmill, ^^dot 
latdy, she vas come mit dose beobles, — dose Ean- 
dalFs hired man, dot Ben. Mine gracious, Meeses 
Ealeigh, you vas not dressed for coompany — my! 
my! — Ben, he vas pring dot latdy to dees house 
mit dot sphring-vagon — dot hig vagon. My ! my ! 
She vas sit on de trunk. Mine gracious ! Lord ! 
Lord r 



MINE GRACIOUS, MEESES RALEIGH ’ YOU VAS NOT DRESSED FOR COMPANY ! ’’-Page ii* 











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First Impressions* 


CHAPTEE XIII. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS. 

Arriving at ^^Magnolia Villa/^ Ben clambered 
down from his seat on the wagon, gave a signal 
whistle to attract the attention of Fritz, who by 
the way, had stopped at Abbott’s to gossip with 
Pat and so had missed meeting them. Going to 
the back of the wagon, Ben lifted Mrs. W. B. out, 
and set her down on the walk. 

She walked leisurely up the path, and finding 
the front door open, she entered. Hearing voices, 
she went quietly in the direction whence the 
sounds came, and stood in the dining-room door, 
observing, but unobserved, until Molly, turning 
to leave the room, confronted her, and called out 
in confusion, ^^Here vas dot ladty — ^und mine 
gracious, she vas look at you/' Then she fled to 
the kitchen. 

Laura, with a scream, dived into the china closet 
and slammed the door, leaving poor little Xellie 
to face the guest, who was to have been received 
with such ^^respect and courtesy.” 


Serious Complications* 


The girFs face flamed crimson ; she stammered : 
^^Are — are you — you — Mrs. Ealeigh — the old — 
oh— 

^^Yes^ young woman^ I am Mrs. Ealeigh — the 
old 

^^Oh, mamma will — ^be — ^be — so — sorry — so — oh 

— I didn^t — mean 

presume you, young woman, are Mrs. 
Ealeigh’s daughter.^^ 

^^Yes, I am Nellie.^^ 

^‘Young woman, I do not approve of nicknames. 
1 shall call you Helen. I presume your name 
ib Helen.^^ 

^^Ho, my name is Hellie, — just Hellie.^^ 

^^Well, Helen, you are a very charming person 
in appearance. I hope your character corre- 
sponds.^^ Very abruptly she inquired: Whereas 
your mother 

^^Oh — she — isn^t — up — oh — she — well, she isn^t 

— dressed — ^yet stammered Hellie. ^^You 

must — excuse — excuse — she’ll • be down to — to 
dinner — she hasn’t — had — had breakfast — 
yet 

^^ETot dressed yet?” said Mrs. W. B., severely. 
^^Why, it is near noon. Do you breakfast at noon ? 
Don’t you dress before dinner? What kind of 
folks are you?” 


First Impressions* 


^^Yes — oh, yes — but — oh — ^you must — excuse — 
her 

^^Don^t you own a carriage 
^^Yes — ^yes — ^but — bu^ — ^well — Fritz has gone — 
to — to get you, nowf' 

^^Well, young woman, I am here/' 

^^Mamma will be — so — so — sorry 

^m! Will sher 

^‘1 — I — didn^t — ^mean — mean that — ^but she — 

she didn^t get your letter 

^^H’m! Didn’t get my letter? and Fritz has 
gone for me? Young woman, you should know 
that is wicked to prevaricate.” 

^^It — it didn’t come — in time — oh, you must 
excuse — mamma — she is — is — distracted — and — 
one — one of our neighbors has — has lost his 
mind 

^^Humph ! Hope he will find it again. Young 
woman, how did it happen?” 

^^Oh! He’s — he is in — insane.” 

^^Oh! Why didn’t you say so, young woman? 
So you have distracted women and mad men in 
California ! I have heard there are no mad dogs 
here. Have you any other wild animals ?’ 

— I don’t know of — any ” 

^^What a misfortune that you have such a dis- 
agreeable impediment in your speech!” 

n5 


Serious Complications* 


don’t you want to go to your room? You 
must be tired after your long journey.” 

^Tardon me, young woman ; I never allow myself 
to. become fatigued; but I jvish to be allowed to re- 
move my wraps, and remove the stains of travel, 
and I would request a glass of iced water.” 

^Tlease come upstairs,” said Nellie, leading the 
way. 

Mrs. Laura Ealeigh opened the closet door and 
listened until she heard the bedroom door above 
close; then making a rush for the staircase, she 
vanished just as Tom entered from the conservatory. 
Nellie returning, found him seated on the couch 
and sat down beside him, saying, as she suddenly 
changed from gravity to mirth: ^‘Oh, Tom, she 
has come !” And her frame shook with laughter. 

'"Who has come ?” he asked. 

^^Why, don’t you know ? Our guest, of course.” 
Again she was convulsed with laughter. 

^^Do you mean the widow W. B. E. ? How do 
you like her ?” 

^^She is horrid, just awfully horrid.” 

^^So? What is she like?” 

^^A fence rail dressed up and stood on end; 
stiff as a poker. There’s not a joint in her whole 
body; if she should fall over, she would never be 
able to get up. And you — well, wait until you 


First Impressions* 


hear her talk. A Tolly-wants-a-cracker^ voice. 
Ha! ha! ha! har 

seem to think it very funny/^ remarked 

Tom. 

^^Well/^ said Nellie, a thoughfnl expression com- 
ing into her face, ^^it wasnT funny a bit. She 
scared me almost to death.^^ 

^^So then, the Tence rail’ is an ogress?” 

^^You know we didn’t expect her so soon, and 
mamma — well, she wasn’t dressed for company, 
so I had to show her to her room. I would as 
soon face a cannon, as to be with her, alone. She 
wears blue glasses, and it seems as if her eyes were 
gimlets back of them, and would bore a hole 
through me. Oh — but, Tom, mamma says I must 
not go to you house — ^because — because 

^^Well! What?” 

^^Your father 

^^Nonsense! He’s harmless. There has been 
too much excitement. He declares, though, from 
A to Z, that he never engaged himself to your 
mamma.” 

^^Well, he had his arms about her, anyway, on 
the day of the accident. I saw it — oh, ha ! ha ! 
ha ! It was awfully funny. Ha ! ha !” 

^^Nellie,” said Maude, stepping in from the 


Serious Complications* 


veranda, am ofiE for San Francisco this evenr 
ing. I am here to say ^good-bye/ 

Looking up, I^ellie replied: ^^Going home so 
soon, Maudie?’^ 

^^Yes, mamma has sent for me, as she has a 
visitor from New York. I am wanted at home.’^ 
‘‘Our guest has just arrived.’^ 

^^And Nellie declares she is the embodiment of 
beauty and grace,^^ said Tom. 

^Tla ! ha ! ha ! Keep an eye on Tom, Nellie,’^ 
said Maude. Widows often prove dangerous.^^ 
^^You just bet I wiiy^ Nellie replied. 

Maude kissed her good-bye, and kissing her 
fingertips to Tom, she went out as swiftly as she 
had come in. 

Tom again slipped his arm about Nellie, and for 
some time they sat and talked, as lovers do. 

Mrs. Laura Ealeigh, in her company dress and 
manners, came downstairs, and talked to the young 
folks, while waiting for her guest to make her ap- 
pearance. 


m 


The Widow Expresses Her Views* 


CHAPTER XIV. 

THE WIDOW EXPRESSES HER VIEWS. 

Mrs. Laura Raleigh rose from her seat and 
went forward to meet Mrs. W. B. when she . en- 
tered. Extending both hands, she said: am 

most happy to welcome you to my home.’^ 

Mrs. W. B. very stiffly extended one arm and 
shook hands with her hostess, much as if she were 
using a pump handle, and said: Without doubt, 
madam, I shall appreciate your hospitality. I 
have enjoyed my reception.^^ Looking about the 
room, she added: ^^You have a most beautiful 
place, madam, but you have not shown a particle 
of taste in furnishing.^^ Adjusting her glasses, 
she looked sharply at Tom, who was nudging 
Xellie. 

Laura hastened to introduce him, as the son 
of a neighbor, mentioning the fact that he was to 
become her son-in-law. 

^Tndeed!^^ Mrs. W. B. replied, as she gazed 


Serious Complications* 


steadily at them. ^Termit me to remark, that I 
do not approve of children marrying. I was 
thirty-five when I married, and I most certainly 
was too young then — ^h^m! But, madam, I am 
shocked that you allow such familiarity between 
the two. Why — ^why — ^the young man actually 
has his arm about the young woman.^^ 

Tom hastily removed his arm, while she con- 
tinued: do not speak from experience, madam. 

I never allowed such impertinence myself; no — 
but it must be exceedingly embarrassing in case 
of an estrangement, to have to remember such — 
things. Madam, permit me to be seated."^^ Seat- 
ing herself exactly in the center of the straightest- 
backed chair in the room, she sat bolt upright, 
and folded her hands in her lap. 

^^She is a stunner T whispered Tom to Nellie. 
^‘Let’s go into the garden,^^ whispered she. 

Mrs. W. B. adjusted her glasses, and looking 
sternly at Nellie, said: Young woman, has your 
mother never taught you that to whisper in com- 
pany is unpardonable rudeness? H’m! I’ll ex- 
cuse you this once. I heard what you said. H’m ! 
You should ask permission of your mother if 
you wish to go. When I was your age I never even 
thought of eating my breakfast, without first 
asking permission of my mother/^ 

m 


The Widow Expresses Her View:S# 


wonder how long this creature will stay?” 
thought Laura 

Another demented,” whispered Tom. 

^^Oh, 1^11 die ; come, let’s run.” Laughing 
hysterically, hTellie caught his hand, and they 
both fled. Outside in the hall they gave way to 
their merriment, and laughed heartily. 

^^Madam, this is amazing!” exclaimed Mrs. W. 
B. to Laura. ^‘^Such actions 1 Allow me to change 
my seat!” Eising very stiffly, she moved to an- 
other chair, and used her vinaigrette. 


Serious Complications* 


CHAPTEK XV. 

MRS. RALEIGH AND MR. ABBOTT. 

^^Laura^ Mr. Abbott has sent 

Bob, coining quickly into the room and seeing 
his sister’s guest, failed to finish what he was 
about to say, but, bowing to Mrs. W. B., said 
instead, ^^Excuse me.” 

She gave a startled look, partly rose from her 
chair, and sat down again; quickly recovering 
herself, she rose and stiffly returned the bow. 

^^Mrs. Ealeigh,” said Laura, ^^this is my brother 
Eobert; Mr. Corson.” 

Again she started, and again she recovered 
herself ; putting out her hand very stiffly she shook 
hands and said: am, sir, most happy to meet 

you. You have a verbal message for your sister. 
I most graciously give you permission to deliver 
it.” And then she sat down, as stiffly as she had 
risen. 

Looking euriously at Mrs. W. B., Bob said to 
Laura: ^^Mr. Abbott wants to see you, sister; has 
Tom been here?” he continued. 

i22 


Mrs* Raleigfh and Mr* Afcfcott. 


his sister replied; ^^he has gone outside 
with Nellie/^ 

^^Madam, if Mr. Abbott wishes to see you here, 
Mr. Corson may escort me into the garden/^ said 
Mrs. W. B. 

^^Oh — no — no, no. He is confined to his room 
with a slight attack — of — of — well — he enjoys my 
presence 

^^Certainly, certainly, madam. Go — by all 

means, go.^^ 

^^Yes, sister, go. Tom will take you down.^^ 

^^Yes, go,^^ thought Laura, ^^any where to get 
away and draw a breath,^^ and she went to get her 
hat. 

^We will get along famously called Mrs. W. 
B., when Mrs. Kaleigh passed the hall door on her 
way out. 

Laura Ealeigh stepped into the boat, and Tom 
rowed her to his father^s place. 

Mr. Abbott had begun to realize his position; 
his anger towards her had somewhat decreased — 
he felt that his safety now depended on his ability 
to explain matters as best he could, without 
making himself appear ridiculous in the eyes of 
the neighbors. 

For a long time he talked to her, trying to ex- 

m 


oerioiis Complications, 


plain that he had not intended to offer her his hand 
and heart — in fact, he had already disposed of his 
heart, and he had supposed that he had also dis- 
posed of his hand. 

The more he tried to explain matters, the more 
convinced she became that the old gentleman was 
not responsible for anything he said or did; she 
belieyed that his mind was unbalanced, and in 
some w^ay he must be cared for until he re- 
covered. 

He tried his best to convince her that he was 
perfectly sane, all to no purpose. She listened 
and smiled. He could see that argument was 
unavailing, for she treated him like a peevish 
child. 

Her efforts to soothe him only exasperated him. 
His anger rose. He accused her of being the 
cause of all his troubles. He lashed her with his 
tongue, and finally he swore at her. 

She then came to the conclusion that it was use- 
less to be offended at anything he said, but she 
believed that with patience and devotion she could 
dispel the darkness that now obscured his reason, 
and that soon he would be himself again. He 
must not be confined; he must have his liberty. 
She would look after him, herself; it was her 
right, and she would send Fritz to watch him and 
J24 


Mrs* Raleigh and Mn Abbott* 


see that no harm befell him when he roamed about 
his estate. 

Bidding ^Taul, dear/^ good-bye^ she went home. 
Going to the kitchen, she prepared some charlotte- 
russe. When it had set, she called Fritz and told 
him to take it to Mr. Abbott, and see that he got 
it. 

Fritz took her meaning literally, and accord- 
ing to his own ideas, did his best to obey orders. 


m 


Serious Complications# 


CHAPTEE XVL 

BOB AND THE WIDOW. 

^^Have you ever been in California before 
inquired Bob of Mrs. W. B., afer Laura had 
gone. 

^‘Xo, never/^ she answered quickly. ^^Oh — that 
is — is — oh she stammered. Eecovering her- 
self^ she abruptly said, ^^Mr. Corson, you may escort 
me into the garden. This place suits me; I shall 
stay all winter.^^ 

^^Will you take my arm?^^ said he, offering it. 

^^Most certainly I shall, Mr. Corson,^^ she re- 
plied, as she rose and stiffly slipped her hand under 
his arm. 

Outside, Xellie called: ^^Uncle Bob! Oh, 
Uncle Bob ! Old Bill has a nail in his hoof ; come 
out.^’ 

Excusing himself to the old lady, he went to 
look at the horse. 

Cora Abbott entered from the conservatory as 
Bob went out the hall door. 

126 


Bob and the Widow* 


Extending both hands, Mrs. W. B. K. stepped 
briskly np to her and said, ^‘^Miss Abbott, I am 
delighted to see yon.'’^ 

^^Beg pardon! You know mef said Cora. 

^^Certainly! I am Edith^s mother. Don’t you 
know me?” 

^“^You have come? But where is Edith?” 

^‘She will be here next week, if nothing 
happens.” 

‘^You traveled alone at your age?” 

^^Why not? That is nothing.” 

^^No one will ever suspect that you are not Mrs. 
Ealeigh, ISTo. 1,” said Cora. never noticed the 
strong resemblance between you and your daughter 
before. Edith is the very 'picture of you. If 
your hair were not white you might pass for 
Uvr 

^^Yes,” remarked Mrs. W. B., have a friend 
who has actually mistaken one for the other.” 

^Ts it possible? Oh, won’t it be fun when 
Edith comes, and Mrs. Laura finds out who Mrs. 
W. B. K. really is?” 

am not quite sure that I quite approve of 
this scheme. You did’nt write that your father 
was ill 

^^He has been indisposed only for a day or two ; 
it is nothing serious.” 


m 


Serious Complications* 


^^You never wrote a word about Mr. Corson.'^ 
never thought of him. You will like him. 
Idl tell you all about the people here.^^ 

Cora was interrupted by the entrance of Bob, 
Nellie, and Tom. 

^Tdl escort you into the garden now, Mrs. 
Ealeigh,^^ said Bob. 

^^Oh — no, no, Mr. Corson, I have no desire to 
go. This young person is more entertaining than 
anybody I have yet met; she will give me the his- 
tory of all of you.^’ Nodding her head to Cora, 
she continued, ^^Go on, dear. Tell me first about 
yrur father.^^ 

^^The excitement of having so many young 
people about him has unsettled papa’s mind,” Cora 
began. 

^^Humph ! He is as crazy as a bed-bug,” Tom 
declared. 

Adjusting her glasses, Mrs. W. B. looked at 
Tom and said: Young man, your language is 
shocking. Permit me to say, it is downright 
vnlgarf^ 

^^Now, Tom,” reproached Nellie, ^^his mind is 
unsteady, that’s all.” 

^That’s all is it?” replied Tom. 

^^Now, Tom,” said Cora, ^There is nothing the 


m 


Bob and the Widow* 


matter but over-excitement; he will be himself 
again in a few days/^ 

^^Still, he should have an attendant/^ remarked 
Bob. 

^^He should not be too closely confined/^ said 
Laura, entering and sitting down; ^^there is not 
much work here just now. I thought Fritz mighi 
watch Mr. Abbott when he is out of doors — just 
keep an eye on him, you know. A stranger would 
have a bad effect on him. I think that Cora, 
Tom, and I, with Fritz’s help, can take good care 
of him. I have sent Fritz with some charlotte- 
russe for him.” 

^^Mrs. Ealeigh,” said Cora to Mrs. W. B. E., 
^Tapa always likes the people that I like. I 
have taken a fancy to you, and I am positive that 
he would enjoy your society. You must spend 
part of your time at our house.” 

^^Oh, Lord! another lunatic in the house!” ex- 
claimed Tom aloud. Clapping his hand over his 
mouth he hastily made his exit. 

Bob laughed outright. Cora turned away her 
face to hide a smile that threatened to expand 
into a laugh, while Mrs. W. B., making an heroic 
effort to keep her face in repose, said, was once 
introduced to an insane person, and I found it 


J29 


Serious Complications. 


exceedingly difficult to find any subject on which 
we could converse.’’ 

^Terhaps he was not an educated lunatic/’ Bob 
said, looking sharply at her, with a twinkle in his 
eyes. 

^^Oh, yes, he was; he — was a woman, and she 
insisted on talking Latin.” 

^^Look here, Meeses Ealeigh, vat you tink mine 
face ?” angrily asked Fritz, entering, with his 
face all cut and covered with blood. ^Ty tamn ! 
I vas not going to do de peesiness of dake care 
of dot insane crazytic. Just look dot face. It 
vill pe all spoiled, und Molly, she vill dell me, 
go in vone bucket und soak mine headt. I does 
not like dot, py tunder !” 

Everybody knew what had happened. Fritz 
could see nothing to laugh about; but it was im- 
possible for the others to restrain themselves. 
All but Mrs. W. B. K. laughed heartily. She was 
taken with a violent fit of coughing, and it was 
some time before she could recover. 

Fritz felt that he had been abused, and to be 
laughed at, aroused his indignation; they had 
added insult to injury. The usually placid Fritz 
was angry. ^^Yah; you laugh mit me, eh? You 
laugh mit de mout on de oder side somedimes, 
don’t it? Dot Meester Obbott he dake dot tamn 

m 


Bob and the Widow< 


jelly — ^Charley rose’ — und he do dot foolishness mit 
it. Just look dot peautiful face/^ 

Mrs. W. B. K. said to him: ^Tirst apply some 
warm water — no soap — then a soft towel — then 
some court-plaster.^^ Turning to Laura, she said : 

presume, madam, that you have some court- 
plaster in the house — black — by all means black. 
I have great faith in black. It 

^^hTo! Py tunder! I vas not hafe dot blaster 
plack.^^ 

^^Oh, yes, Fritz,^^ coaxed Mrs. W. B. K. 

^^Vell, Meeses, Molly, she vill say dot like dose 
fellers I look, vat do de prize-fight. I vas not like 
dot.^^ And he left the room. 

Laura, saying, ^Tdl go and get the court-plas- 
ter,^^ followed him. 

^Tnduce him, madam, to use black. There is 
nothing in this world to compare with it,^^ called 
Mrs. W. B. K. after her. 

Bob looked amused. ^^Why do you prefer 
black ho asked. 

am amazed at your question. It is a violent 
contrast, and does not shock one^s artistic sensi- 
bilities like a flesh tint that does not match, sir,^’ 
she replied. 

Nellie giggled, and Cora laughed outright, while 
Bob shook with merriment. 

m 


Serious Complications* 


Mrs. W. B. K. stiffened herself up, and look- 
ing from one to the other, said: Young women, 
your conduct is shockingly impolite. Mr. Corson 
can be excused; /le is only a man.’^ 

Bob threw up his head and roared with laughter. 
Eecovering himself, he said: ^^These ladies, after 
spending the winter in your society, will become 
paragons of dignity. Again he laughed merrily. 

Mrs. W. B. K. arose. Standing as straight and 
stiff as a lamp-post, she haughtily said: ^^Sir, I 
do not understand your levity 

He replied as he arose, am certain that you 
will when we are better acquainted.^^ 

Nellie laughed hysterically and ran out. 

Bob made an elaborate bow to Mrs. W. B. E., 
kissed his hand to her,- and followed Nellie. 

Then Mrs. W. B. E., turning to Cora, said, 

really believe Bo Mr. Corson sees through my 

disguise.^^ 

^^Oh, no. He is jolly — he wants to have a 
little fun at your expense, that is all. Don’t mind 
him, or anything he says.” 

^^Do you think he takes me for an eccentric old 
woman ?” 

don’t doubt it.” 
doubt it.” 


J32 


Bob an4 the Wiciow* 


^^Keep your character until Edith comes, and 
then, come to me/^ 

Bo ah — oh — Mr. Corson engaged, or — 

or — married ?” 

^^There is a flirtation between him and a San 
Francisco girl — Maude Alder. Nothing serious 
yet. Why do you ask? Afraid for Edith 

^^No, no! Oh, no — I — he is not young.^^ 

About thirty-two. Gracious ! I am for- 
getting all about papa. I must go. How time 
does fly 1 Good-bye. I will see you to-morrow.^^ 

Cora stepped out on the veranda, and ran down 
to the gate. 

^^Bob suspects me ; so I must be a poor actress,^^ 
said Mrs. W. B. K. aloud, when she found herself 
alone. 

^^Meeses Raleigh, she vish me to excuse you for 
vone leedle dime ; she vas go mit dot Meester Tom 
to dot Obbott house alreadty.^^ The speaker was 
Molly. 

Mrs. W. B. R. wandered about the garden for 
some time, and then went upstairs. 


Serious Complications* 


CHAPTER XVII. 

THE ^"'lUNATIC.''^ 

^^Molly, I am going to Mr. Abbott’s. Tell 
Fritz to wash the windows and transom to-day. 
When Mrs. Raleigh comes down, tell her I will 
not be gone long.” Mrs. Laura Raleigh closed the 
door and went upstairs, to get ready. 

Molly put the room in order, and went to the 
kitchen. 

Soon after, Fritz brought a step-ladder ; leaving 
ii in the center of the room, he went to get a pail 
of water and some cleaning cloths. 

A few moments later Mr. Abbott opened the 
door, and putting his head in, looked about, hesi- 
tated for a few seconds, and entered. His hair 
was disheveled, his clothes in disorder, and he was 
pale and haggard. There was the look of a 
hunted animal in his eyes. ^^Oh, Lord ! what can 
I do?” said he, as he paced the floor. ^Tf Mrs. 
Raleigh would only listen to reason! The Lord 
help me in my trouble! I made a blasted fool 
134 


The ^ Lwnatic* 


of myself. I know it. Yes, I do know it. Til 
never do it again. Oh, yes, I will — oh, I will — 
111 — 111 marry the widow — if — if they will let 
me. Oh, Lord! Ill marry anything to get out 
of this fix. Oh, Lord! Lord! Ill never fall 
in love with an infant again. They sent that 
damned Dutchman. Oh, Heavens ! Where is 
Mrs. Kaleigh?’^ 

Coming in with a book in her hand, Mrs. W. 
B. K. saw the gentleman standing in the darkened 
room. ^Tardon,^^ she said, ^^but do you wish to 
see Mrs. Kaleigh?^^ 

A ray of hope entered his heart. ^^Here was a 
stranger. She would listen,^^ he thought. 
Brightening up, he advanced towards her, saying : 
^^You are just the woman I want to see. You 
look as if you had some sense.^^ 

As he came near, the light from the window 
fell on his haggard face. She shrank away in 
terror. 

Following her, he continued: ^^There is a mis- 
understanding in — in 

Again she moved away — and he followed, say- 
ing: ^^Do listen. Do let me explain.^^ 

He was now between her and the door, and the 
windows were closed. What should she do now? 
Who was this man? This was passing through 
J35 


Serious Complications^ 

her mind, as she stood beside the ladder, trying 
to keep it between them; but she was dumb with 
fright. 

Abbott was desperate. He sprang forward and 
caught her by the arm, with a cry of despair. ^^Oh, 
Lord! Madam, I am Abbott/" 

That was enough; with a piercing shriek, she 
caught her skirts, and with the sprightliness of 
a monkey, she sprang up the ladder. Ho old lady 
of seventy was ever before as nimble as she. Even 
the old man, in spite of his troubles, was amazed. 

He stood bewildered and in despair, at the foot 
of the ladder, and looked appealingly at her, as 
shriek after shriek escaped her. Abbott realized 
that he had not improved matters; in despera- 
tion he called: ^^DonT! Oh, madam, dont! I 
am not crazy,^^ and taking hold of the ladder, he 
placed his foot on the first step. 

^^Heavens!^^ thought she, ^^he is coming up. 
Til be killed.^^ Clutching the top of the ladder 
to steady herself, she hurled the book at his head, 
raising a lump on his forehead, and then shrieked 
at, the top of her voice, ^^Help! Murder!’^ 

He staggered, sank on a chair and buried his 
face in his hands. 

Cora and Tom had missed their father; be- 

136 


*^The Lunatic/^ 


lieving that they would find him at ^^Magnolia 
Yilla/^ they sprang into the boat and were just 
landing, when Mrs. W. B. K.'^s piercing shrieks 
saluted their ears. 

Leaving the boat to drift down the stream, 
they flew to the house, and entered the dining- 
room, just as Laura Ealeigh came running down- 
stairs. 

^^Father V’ ^Tapa V’ ^Taul V’ They all cried 
out together. 

^^Father, what are you doing here?^^ These 
words were spoken by Tom as he laid hands on 
the old gentleman^ s shoulders. 

Mr. Abbott had borne all that mortal man could 
endure. He would not go home. He showed 
fight. He raised his arm and gave Tom a blow 
in the stomach that gave him a worse ache than 
any he had ever experienced from eating green 
apples. 

Abbott had made another mistake. Tom was 
convinced that his father was dangerous, and 
must no longer be allowed his liberty, and some- 
how he must be gotten home. 

He consulted with Laura Ealeigh and Cora. 
They decided to make the attack together. 

The old gentleman was furtively watching 
them. He was on the alert. When they ap- 
137 


Serious Complications* 


preached him, he suddenly arose. With a quick 
movement, he reached behind him and grabbed 
the chair, and with a rapid whirl brought it be- 
tween himself and them. 

Mrs. W. B. E. sat on top of the ladder and 
shrieked, while Laura and Cora wrung their hands, 
and Tom nursed his stomach. 

^Taul, let Laura take you home.^^ The speaker 
was Laura Kaleigh. 

^^Not a step! Not a stepT shrieked Abbott. 

^^Oh, Paul— dear Paul 

^Taul — donT you Paul, dear, me, you tricky, 
designing, old 

^^0 — oh — 0 — h ! He means me — me ! — o — h 
Laura Ealeigh wrung her hands and wept. 

Mrs. W. B. E. still sent shriek softer shriek ring- 
ing through the house. 

^Tather, you must come,^^ said Tom, renewing 
the attack. 

Eound and round the room they went, upset- 
ting tables and chairs. 

^^Let go, I tell you. Oh, let go” shrieked Ab- 
bott at Tom, when he caught hold of him. ^^You 
are crazy — all of you.^^ Like a madman he held 
them at bay. 

^^Oh, Mr. AbbotV^ Laura said between her sobs. 


J38 


^Thc Lunatic*^ 


will not harm you; we will take care of you, 
if you will only let us/^ 

Mr. Abbott did not appreciate the kind of care 
he had received. He was not going home until 
he made them understand that he was not a luna- 
tic. 

Bound and round the room they went. Abbott 
was as agile as any of them; they could not cap- 
ture him. 

Mrs. W. B. B. called out, as desperately she 
clung to the ladder (expecting momentarily to be 
upset), ^^Oh — oh — I wish I were at home.^^ 

^^You are a set of damned fools, every last one 
of you,^^ roared the old gentleman. 

^^Mr. Abbott, I do wish you’d go home,” cried 
Laura. 

^‘1 won’t stand that damned Dutchman 

^^Gosh! I vum! Here vas dot insane crazy- 
tic.” 

The ^^damned Dutchman” stood in the door- 
way, with a bucket of water and some cleaning 
cloths; his face was striped with black court- 
plaster, and about his forehead was bound a hand- 
kerchief. 

^^Catch him, Fritz,” called Mrs. W. B. B., from 
her perch on the top of the ladder. 


J39 


Scfious Complications* 


Fritz put down the bucket and made a dive for 
the old man. 

Abbott made a dive for the door; but Fritz 
headed him off. 

A prolonged shriek from Mrs. W. B. E. brought 
Bob and ISlellie to this circus. 

Nellie stumbled over the bucket, and lifting 
up her voice to a high key, added to the con- 
fusion. 

Abbott cried out, ^^Oh, Bob, — Bob — save — me — 
save me from my children/' 

With a shrill cry ' of, ^^Oh, Eobert — Eobert ! 
Save me ! Save me !" Mrs. W. B. E. sprang from 
the ladder, and throwing herself in his arms, clung 
to him desperately, her glasses falling to the floor. 

Bob looked into her eyes and held her close. 
A few locks of golden hair lay tangled across the 
white. The hand that Bob held in his was white, 
plump, and smooth. The glove that lay hidden 
away with his treasures would fit it. 

Bob’s heart gave leap after leap. The room 
might swarm with lunatics ; what cared he ? The 
woman he held in his arms was — Edith. 

When Mrs. W. B. E. sprang from the ladder, 
Abbott ran up and seated himself on top of it, 
as she had done. 

Fritz stared in open-mouthed astonishment, and 

HO 


'^The Lunatic/^ 


then placing his hands on his hips, he ejacnlated : 
^‘Vell — veil! Dot vas peat der tifel. Gott in 
Himmel! Vat vill he do next?’^ 

George came running in, and seeing Abbott 
perched at the top of the ladder, he called: ^^Get 
him down, — tip the ladder/^ 

As Tom, George, Cora, and Fritz, made a rush 
for the ladder, Abbott yelled : ^^DonT ! Oh, Lord ! 
Don't — Til come!' Springing down, he rushed 
for the door. 

Fritz, with lightning rapidity, snatched the 
tablespread and threw it over AbbotFs head, com- 
pletely enveloping him. 

George threw both arms about the old gentle- 
man, pinioning his arms to his sides. Fritz and 
Tom helped lift him; together they carried him 
out, Cora, Laura, and Nellie following. 

Outside, they bound him ; and then, putting him 
in the carriage, took him home. 

Mrs. W. B. K. was completely unnerved. For- 
getting the part she was playing, she clung to Bob 
as if her life were in danger, and no one else could 
save her. ^^Oh, he tried — to — to — strangle — me 
— oh— oh — Bob — take — Bob — take me — away — 
oh, oh, — I wish I — I were — at — at — home — oh — 
0 she managed to say. 


Serious Complications^ 


^^There, dear/^ said Bob, stooping to pick up her 
glasses, ^^you are safe. Til protect you against 
a whole lunatic asylum/' 

^^Oh, it’s awful — awful — oh — oh 

^^Here are your glasses. Let me see you to 
your room now, and I’ll see you again. Rest for 
awhile. I must go to town and find an attendant 
for the poor man.” Lightly he kissed the shining 
hair that was revealed by the displacement of the 
white wig. With his arm about her, he led her 
upstairs, and leaving her in ignorance of the fact 
that he had recognized her, went on his wheel to 
town. 

When Mrs. W. B. Kaleigh was introduced to 
Kobert Corson, he had noticed her momentary 
surprise. Consequently, he had regarded her at- 
tentively, and had become convinced that she was 
not the old lady whom his sister expected. He 
had set deliberately to work to confuse and em- 
barrass her, hoping that she might forget the parr 
which she was evidently playing, and betray her 
true character. 

She was a puzzle to him. Her face seemed 
familiar, yet he could not place her. In spite of 
her severity of manner he felt drawn towards her. 
The disfiguring smoked glasses she wore, con- 

J42 


^'The Lunatic*^^ 


cealed her eyes, yet he felt instinctively that she 
was watching him suspiciously, and was ever on 
her guard, and he dared not stare impertinently 
at her. 

Her face was as stolid as that of the Sphinx; 
his efforts to induce a laugh were unavailing. But 
when Fritz appeared, with his tale of woe, he 
watched her closely. The corners of her mouth 
twitched convulsively; up went a white hand, to 
hide the laugh that she could not suppress, and on 
that hand gleamed a ring that Bob knew and rec- 
ognized. It had once been in his possession. 

This time Bob was the startled one; but as 
quickly as she had done, on meeting him, he re- 
covered his composure. He knew that behind 
those smoked glasses were a pair of bright eyes 
that were watching him, and would follow his 
every movement. 

He would keep his discovery to himself, for the 
present. She should not suspect that she was 
recognized, but he would try to unravel the 
mystery of her presence in his sisteFs house. 
What was she doing there? Why was she wear- 
ing a disguise? He could not understand it. 
Was it possible that Mrs. W. B. Kaleigh had sent 
her there to play a trick on Laura? 

Patience, thought he, and time will tell; but 
J43 


Serious Complications* 


when in her fright she called him by name and 
clung desperately to him for protection, he had 
to exercise all possible self-control to withhold 
from her the knowledge that he possessed, and 
wait for a denouement. 


J44 


Ffitz^s Account of It* 


CHAPTEE XYIII. 

rRITZ'^S ACCOUNT OF IT. 

An hour later, Molly entered the dining-room 
with the tablecloth on her arm, which had been 
used in the capture of Mr. Abbott. 

Eeplacing it on the table, she thus voiced her 
opinions: ^^Dose Obbott’s, dey vas hafe gread 
doings. First, dey vants Meeses Ealeigh, den dey 
vants Fritz. Ven dey vants me, I vill go right 
avay mit mineself from dees blace. Dere vas 
plenty of crazy insanes in dees house.^^ 

Fritz entered the room. His arm was in a 
sling, his shirt sleeve was gone, and on his fore- 
head was a lump that matched Abbott’s. In ad- 
dition, he had a black, blue, and green eye. 

Molly continued (not observing him) : heard 

dot old lady say she vas vone poor octress; I vill 

lock op dot silver ” 

^Ty Christmas ! You don’t say !” 

Molly turned about, and emphatically said: 
^^Dot’s so !” Throwing up her hands,, she. ex- 
J45 


Serious Complications* 


claimed: veil, yon vas peantiful mit dot 

face. Pery peantiful! I like dot face; I tink 
I vill go life mit dot face on dot ranch — ^ngh 1’^ 
Fritz slipped his arm about her. 

Molly continued: ^^You vas vone putty pair of 
spectacles.^^ She pushed him away and repeated: 
^^You vas fery peantiful mit dot face.^^ 

^^Yah, I vas know dot I vas peantiful. I feel 
peantiful. I vas tamn mat! Py tunder!^^ 
^^Yah, you gife op de peesness mit dose horses, 
imd you go und do de peesness mit vone crazy 
insane, don’t it? und get vone plack eye?” 

Fritz again put his arm about Molly, and re- 
plied: ^^Vell, py tamn, I vas not do any more pees* 
ness mit dot insane crazytic, vat don’t got no 
stnse. Vy, ven I dell him dot he vas crazy, und 
dot crazytics don’t know ven dey vas crazy, den he 

get mat at dot, und ” 

^^Hit you mit de face — make you vone prize 
fight. Go avay,” and she gave him a shove. 

^^JSTaw! He don’t hit me; he trow dot tamn 
jelly ^Charley rose,” und he smash me my face, 
und ” 

^^You go again alreadty some more — don’t it? 
ugh!” 

^^Vell, Meeses Ealeigh, she dell me try again 
some more.” 


J46 







DOT VAS JUST IT 


I DO GET DE VORST OF IT.”— Page 147. 







Ffitz^s Account of It 


^^ah! Try again some more. Dot Meester 
Obbott, he vill try again some more, succeed 
again mit your headt/' Bobbing her head by way 
of emphasis she said, ^^Dot’s so.” 

Bob entering, interrupted with, ^^Molly, Mrs. 
Ealeigh wants you.” 

Fritz’s dilapidated appearance, the woe-begone 
expression on his face was too much for Bob’s 
risibilities. He laughed until the tears rolled 
down his cheeks. 

Poor Fritz. His face was striped with court- 
plaster, the result of his first encounter with ^^dot 
insane crazy tic.” How he had in addition, a 
lump as big as a hen’s egg on his right temple, 
his left eye was for the present useless, and his arm 
had retired from service for a rest. 

When Bob had sufficiently recovered his gravity 
to speak, he said : ^^You look, Fritz, as if you had 
been in a fight and gotten the worst of it.” 

^^Yah, Meester Corson, dot vas just it. I do 
get de vorst of it.” 

^^You must have made the old gentleman angry, 
Fritz.” 

^^Haw! Meester Corson, he vas not mat mit me. 
He vas mat mit Meeses Ealeigh. It vas dees 
vay: You see Meeses Ealeigh, she — she vas send 

J47 


Serious Complications* 


dot jelly charleyrose in vone of dose leedle gloss 
deeshes. Mr. Obbott he say dot he do not vish 
it; den I dell him he must ead dot jelly, or Meeses 
Ealeigh, she vill not like dot. He say, ^Tamn 
dot charleyrose, und tamn Meeses Ealeigh; she 
vill send me some moonshine next and dell me 
ead dot.^ I say, ^How, Meester Obbott, you know 
dot vas foolishness; nopody could ead dot moon- 
shine,^ und he dake dot jelly, und he smash dot 
leedle gloss deesh mit mine headt und vaste all dot 

charleyrose — dot peautiful 

^^Are you mad, Fritz ?’’ asked Bob. 

vill not sthand dot tamn nonsense. I vill 
not do dot again some more, mit dot insane crazy- 
tic. Yah, I vas mat; I vas tamn mat, I vas 
so mat, dot I button up my coadt so I could not 
bust, py tunder.^^ 

^^ThaFs pretty mad, Fritz.^^ 

^^Vell, if I vas get busted, I cannot find again 
myself de pieces. I did not come take care dot 
insane crazy tic. He dell me mine headt vas 
crack ; I dell him mine headt vas not crack. Den 
he dell me he vill mine headt crack. I don’t like 
dot.” 

^^He don’t know what he says, Fritz.” 

^^Don’t you fool mit yourself, Mr. Corson. He 
do know fery well vat he talk apout- He tell me 


Account of It* 

I vas vone fool Dutchman. Vat you tink now? 
You tink he don^t know vat he talk apout ? Wm I 
He do know y fery veil, vat he say.^^ 

That was enough to set Bob roaring again with 
laughter. 

Fritz saw nothing to laugh about, and became 
furiously angry. ^^Yah, you laugh at dot. I 
vill dell you somedings more den. He dell me 
go to dot hlace, vat polite shentlemans does not 
talk apout. Vat you tink dot?^^ 

^^Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! You wonT be asked to go 
again, Fritz. Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha 

Fritz, misunderstanding his meaning, looked at 
him in surprise, and said: ^^Ask me? He donT 
ask me, he order me. He order me go dot 
blace.^^ 

^^Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! You must not mind that, 
Fritz.^^ 

H vas not mind dot, eh? You tink I go dot 
blace?’^ 

^^Oh, no, no, Fritz. Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! He will 
have an attendant now.^^ 

^^Vell, you tell dot Tendant to pring vone dose 
tings de paseball man^s put mit de face on, und 
vone dose jackets vat you call de strait-coat, ainT 
itP^ 


149 


Senoas Complications* 


won’t make any more disturbance, Fritz. 
He will be quiet now.” 

^^Yah? Meester Corson, don’t you fool mit dot 
shentleman Obbott. He vill be quiet, you tink? 
Just look ot mine peautiful face ven I vas going 
to be marriet.” 

^^Mrs. Ealeigh! Oh, Mrs. Ealeigh!” shouted 
Cora from the outside. 

^Tritz! Where is Fritz?” loudly called Tom, 
as he burst into the room, followed by his sister, 
who was as pale as death. 

^^What is wrong?” inquired Bob, as Laura 
Ealeigh, attracted by the calling, came running 
in. 

Cora wrung her hands and cried : ^^He has gone 
— gone.” 

^^Und, py tunder, I vill stay gone,” said Fritz. 

^^Who has gone?” asked Bob. 

^^Oh, there is no time to lose. He has gone. 
Scour the country. Drag the river,” frantically 
shouted Tom. 

Laura turned pale, sank on a chair, and 
shrieked: ^Taul — gone ” 

Edith heard the noise and ran down. 

Molly ran in. ^^Vat vas de drouble?” she ex- 
citedly asked. 

^^Oh, Bob — Bob. It’s papa,” shrieked Cora. 

J50 


Pfitz^s Account of It* 


help us. Perhaps he’s drowned.” She fell 
in a swoon on the floor. 

Laura shrieked hysterically, and Nellie came 
flying in. 

^^Oh, he has escaped,” cried Tom. 

Laura fell fainting from her chair, Molly 
grabbed the bucket that still remained where Fritz 
had left it, and frantically running from Cora to 
Laura began sprinkling them, while Nellie wrung 
her hands and cried. 

Suddenly Bob called, ^^Out with the horses, 
Fritz; no delay.” 

He ran towards the stable, followed by Fritz 
and Tom, and soon it was known far and near, 
that Mr. Abbott, in a fit of insanity ^ had left his 
home. 

Molly helped Edith to bring Laura and Cora to 
themselves, and get them upstairs to lie down. 
When Cora was able to go home, Edith (as I shall 
call Mrs. W. B. K. hereafter) accompanied her, 
but Cora did not recognize her. 


Serious Complications* 


CHAPTER XIX. 

THE LOVERS ARE PARTED. 

Robert Corso^t^ Tom, George, and Mr. Randall, 
Ben, Fritz, and Pat out on horses, hunted near 
and far, but Mr. Abbott was gone. He could not 
have more completely disappeared if the earth had 
opened and engulfed him. Xo one had seen him. 
What was to be done next? 

A thorough search was made along the river 
banks for miles — no trace of Mr. Abbott. If he 
had fallen, or thrown himself into the river, the 
body had been swept away. 

Mr. AbbotPs horse was found grazing along 
the road near home (on the day that he had dis- 
appeared), but he was neither saddled nor bridled. 
He had probably broken his halter, and walked 
out of the stable when no one was about. Xo 
one gave the matter a thought. Xot for some 
days after, did Pat discover that Mr. AbbotPs 
saddle was gone. 

^^May the divil fly away wid de dhirty thafe,^^ 

J52 


The Lovefs are Patted^ 


said Pat. ^^What would a dhirty thramp be doin’ 
wid the masther’s saddle? Sure an’ he couldn’t 
ride it widout de horse. Begorra, if the old mon 
was here now, he’d be afther takin’ the head afe 
ave me, so he would, an’ that’s no loie oim telling 
yez.” 

Cora and Tom were broken-hearted. They 
knew not which way to turn. Was their father 
dead? Or was he hiding from them? The days 
dragged themselves slowly away. Cora wandered 
about the house in a listless manner ; her mind was 
occupied by thoughts of her father. George 
sought to comfort her. He could not believe that 
Mr. Abbott was dead ! he felt that they would yet 
find him. 

Tom rode about the country, exploring every 
nook, every hut and cabin. He never for a day 
gave up the search. In the evening he would seek 
Nellie, and in her society strive to throw off the 
horror that oppressed him. They had little to 
say to each other. The happy days were gone. 
Tom was restless; his face showed plainly his 
mental suffering, and Nellie suffered because he 
suffered. 

Laura wandered about the house, unable to con- 
centrate her mind on anything. She was irrita- 
ble and unreasonable ; and whenever Mr. Abbott 
was mentioned, she became hysterical. 

J53 


Sewous Complications* 


One day, she told Bob that after due reflection, 
she had arrived at the conclusion that there was 
insanity in the Abbott family, and that she had de- 
cided to separate Nellie and Tom. ^^Nothing,^^ so 
she said, ^Vould induce her to allow her daughter 
to marry the son of a lunatic.^^ 

^^Why,^^ said she, ^^Nellie might awaken some 
morning and find herself strangled. Insanity is 
hereditary; every one knows that. Tom would be 
a lunatic next ; or, if he was not, his children would 
be sure to be insane.’^ 

Bob reasoned wuth her; he coaxed, he argued; 
finally he ridiculed her. All to no purpose; she 
was firm in her resolution to separate the young 
levers. 

Nellie was informed by her mother that she must 
give up all hope of ever marrying Tom. She ran 
away to Mr. Abbott’s house, and told Cora. 

Mrs. W. B. E. proved herself an angel in dis- 
guise. It was she who kept things going smoothly 
about the house. She became the housekeeper, 
and no one disputed her authority, although Molly 
regarded her with suspicion. She was gentle and 
patient with Laura Ealeigh, who, it must be con- 
fessed, was anything but a congenial companion. 

Mrs. Ealeigh informed Mr. and Mrs. Eandall 

J54 


IThc Lovers are iParteci* 


of her intention to break the engagement between 
Tom and Nellie, stating her reasons. 

They had never given a thought to the subject ; 
they were surprised that they had not. They 
talked the matter over between themselves, and 
came to the conclusion that Mrs. Ealeigh was per- 
fectly right. Without doubV^ said Mrs. Eandall, 
^‘there is insanity in the family. Nothing has hap- 
pened to affect Mr. Abbott^s mind. No. He had 
had no trouble of any kind, — his mind had given 
way, without any apparent cause ; of course it was 
hereditary insanity. Cora was the daughter of a 
lunatic, who had, in all probability, thrown him- 
self into the river. His mania was suicidal. 
Cora might develop a mania for murder. Who 
could tell ? If George married her, he might find 
his throat cut some morning. Marriage with her 
was out of the question, and not to be considered 
for another moment.^^ 

George was called. His father told him that 
never, with his parents^ consent, could he marry 
Cora Abbott; he must give her up. ^^She was a 
lovely girl — yes; but she was the daughter of a 
lunatic. She might become insane — without doubt 
she would.^^ 

Poor George ! He pleaded, he argued. He de- 
clared that Mr. Abbott was only temporarily in- 

155 


Serious Complications. 

sane; that he had not been properly treated- — 
that Mrs. Kaleigh had interfered with him, and 
that Fritz had angered him. That it was his be- 
lief that they would yet find him. He would not 
believe that he had destroyed himself. 

With a heavy heart, George left his fathers 
presence. Stepping into the boat, he rowed down 
to Mr. Abbott^s house to see Cora. There in the 
garden he found Hellie crying and sobbing in her 
friend’s arms. 

Hellie sobbed out her story, and George poured 
out his woes. Tom entered the garden. Nellie 
fiung her arms about his neck, and declared that 
her mother had ^Troken her heart.” 

A week before, the world had seemed so beauti- 
ful to these young people — now, life had lost its 
charm. The sun shone, but it had no warmth or 
light for them; the world had become cold and 
cheerless. A week before, they had laughed and 
sung under the trees in this garden, where now 
they sat, struggling with a load of sorrow that 
almost crushed their young hearts. 

Cora’s greyhound ran to his mistress to be 
petted, Tom’s spaniel fawned at his feet; neither 
received any attention. Settling themselves on 
their haunches, they turned their noses heavem 
ward, and set up a most doleful whining. 

\56 


The Escape* 


CHAPTER XX. 

THE ESCAPE. 

The second time that Mr. Abbott was taken 
home from ^^Magnolia Yilla/^ Cora and Tom de- 
cided that until a suitable attendant for their 
father could be found, it was best to confine him in 
his room. 

Fritz had helped to capture and bind Mr. Abbott, 
but he declared that he had had all the experience 
/le wanted v/ith ^hnsane crazytics.^^ He had had his 
beauty spoiled in ^^de first blace, und now, dere 
vas vone plack eye, und de next ting, he vould pe 
plack all ofer. Vone eye und vone arm vas bedder 
dan none, und now he vould go right avay.^^ 

Mr. Abbott had exhausted his strength in the 
struggle he had made for his liberty. He made no 
further disturbance; but when his arms were un- 
bound, he threw himself on his bed and remained 
perfectly quiet. When George and Tom left the 
room, and locked him in, he made no objection; in 
J57 


Serious Complications* 


fact, he did not seem to be aware that he was a 
prisoner. 

The old gentleman, on the way home, had been 
thinking about his peculiar plight. It had oc- 
curred to him that violence was ill-advised on his 
part; that he must restrain himself, no matter 
how trying the circumstances, or he might find 
himself confined in an asylum. So when Tom 
brought his dinner, he ate it quietly, and said not 
a word. 

Just before he retired to his own room for the 
night, Tom looked in at his father ; the old gentle- 
man was apparently quietly sleeping. On the 
morrow there would be a man of experience to 
attend him, so Tom went to bed and to sleep. 

At four o’clock in the morning, Mr. Abbott arose 
and dressed himself. He packed his grip, opened 
the window, and threw it out on the lawn, climbed 
out on the roof of the ell, crept along to the fire- 
escape, and down he went. Going at once to the 
stable, he saddled his horse and hung his grip on 
the pommel of the saddle. Mounting the horse, 
he struck out for the station. The train was due 
at five o’clock. Taking saddle and bridle from 
the horse, he let him go ; crawling under the plat- 
form he hid the saddle and bridle in a dark corner, 
then he kept out of sight until he heard the train 
J58 


The Escape* 


approaching. Crawling out, he signaled the engi- 
neer. ^^Toot, toot, toot,^^ answered the engine. 
The train slowed down, Abbott stepped aboard, 
and before any of the ^^Eiverside Neighbors’^ were 
awake, he was on the way to San Francisco. 

Arriving there, he went to a hotel and remained 
in his room all day. The next morning, after he 
had made himself presentable, he started out for 
the home of his friend, Mr. Alder. Eeaching 
there, he told the family that business had called 
him to San Francisco, that he would probably re- 
main a week, and he would be pleased to be their 
guest. A day or two later, he took Mr. Alder into 
his confidence and explained matters explicitly to 
him, not trying in any way to excuse himself for 
his ^foolishness.” He told him that he would like 
Mrs. Ealeigh to come to San Francisco and have a 
talk with him; he was anxious that he and she 
should arrive at some understanding by which the 
affair could be kept from the community in which 
they lived. 

So Maude wrote to Bob, informing him of the 
old gentleman’s desire to see Mrs. Ealeigh in San 
Francisco. 


J59 


Serious Complications* 


CHAPTER XXL 

MAUDE'^S LETTER. 

About a week after Mr. Abbott’s disappearance, 
Robert Corson was standing, one morning, by the 
gate at ^^Magnolia Villa.” A thick cloud of dust 
down the road attracted his attention. Nearer 
and nearer it came ; suddenly Fritz, on horseback, 
emerged from it, galloping as if his life depended 
on the swiftness of the horse. 

Catching sight of Bob, he frantically waved a 
letter in the air, and shouted, ^^For you, Meester 
Bob.” 

Bob’s first thought was that it contained news 
of Mr. Abbott. Stepping forward to receive it, he 
noted the postmark — San Francisco. 

^^Dot leddar,” explained Fritz, ^^it say on de oud- 
side, Meester Corson, ^in haste’ ; dot leddar, I could 
not pring faster, — dot vas so.” 

^^That’s all right, Fritz ; it means I must read it 
as soon as I get it.” 


J60 


Maudes Letter* 


‘^Mine gracious ! Vas dot so V’ exclaimed Fritz, 
as he sprang from the saddle, and led the horse 
towards the stable. 

Bob read the letter. With an exclamation of 
surprise, he entered the house, and called his sister 
Laura. To her he read the letter, which was from 
Maude Alder. ^^You must go at once,^^ said Bob; 
^^go and get ready! Til see you on board the 
train, and Til look out for everything here, while 
you are away.^^ 

Molly was sent to look for Xellie, but she was no- 
where about the place. 

Bob knew where she was most likely to be found. 
He stepped into the rowboat, cast the rope from the 
stake, took up the oars and soon landed at Mr. Ab- 
bott^s place. The whining of the dogs attracted 
his attention. Going into the garden he went in 
the direction from which the sound came. The 
dogs heard the footsteps, and sprang to meet him ; 
the young lovers sprang to their feet. Four pairs 
of eyes almost obscured by their red and swollen 
eyelids, and four tear-stained faces met his gaze. 

The sight of their grief was too much for tender- 
hearted Bob. After telling IN’ellie of her mothers 
intended departure, he took Tom aside and re- 
quested him to come to ^^Magnolia Yilla^^ on the 
following day, and have a private talk with him; 
f6i 


Serious Complications. 


to which Tom agreed. Taking Nellie in the boat, 
he returned with her to the ^^Villa.^^ 

Three hours later Laura Ealeigh was on her 
way to San Francisco. 


t62 


Another Announcement* 


CHAPTER XXIL 

ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT. 

Xellie knew that her mother had been suddenly 
called away, but where, neither she, nor any one 
but Bob, knew. 

The poor child was heart-broken; during the 
day she wandered disconsolately about the house 
and garden, — she ate but little, and she slept still 
less. 

A few days after Laura Raleigh’s departure. Bob 
(one morning on entering the drawing-room) 
found Nellie lying on the couch, and weeping as 
if her heart would break. 

Seating himself beside her, and gently stroking 
her hair, he asked if she and Tom had quarreled. 
^^Tell me,” said he, ^Vhy you are so unhappy.” 

Flinging her arms about his neck and hiding 
her face on his shoulder, she sobbed, and brokenly 
said: ^^Oh^ Uncle Bob, if you — ^you — loved some 


Serious Complications* 


one — very dearly — would you give — give him up 
— because — his father went insane — and — and lost 
himself T’ 

^^N’o, dear, I would not/^ he said emphatically. 
^^ISTonsense, I^ellie, put such a notion out of your 
dc ar little head. Mr. Abbott was only temporarily 
insane, and they harassed him; no one knew how 
to properly care for him, and he ran away. It 
is not so very long since he left. He will come 
back all right some day. He should have had an 
experienced attendant.^^ 

^^Bu — but — mamma says — says sobbed 

Nellie. 

^^Hang what mamma says — Til speak to mamma 
again.^^ 

^^Did she tell you? She told — me — me — oh — 
oh— Uncle Bob 

^^Yes, she told me; but I’ll have another talk 
with her ” 

^^t’ll do no — no — go — good — she says — says — 
Tom will be a lunatic — ^next ” 

^^Tom will be a fiddlestick! Honsense, Hellie. 
I’ll have another talk with Tom. Fll take a hand 
in this matter 

^^Oh, Uncle Bob — I — I — suffer — I don’t want to 
* live — without — without ” 

^^There — there, dear; I know — I’ve been there 

J64 


Another Annoiinc^meni 


myself/^ Bob said, and he sighed as he caressed 
her. 

you think Cora and Tom will be — lunatics 
— be — ^because 

^^No, Nellie ; that is the rankest kind of nonsense. 
Here comes Auntie.^^ 

Mrs. W. B. K. entering, and seeing Nellie weep- 
ing in her uncle’s arms, said: ^^Why, Nellie, tell 
me what troubles you ? It distresses me to see you 
unhappy, dear. Tell auntie your troubles; per- 
haps I can comfort you.” 

Nellie went and placed her arms about Mrs. W. 
B. K.’s neck and said: ^^Oh, Auntie, you are so 
good and so kind to us all. I didn’t like you at 
first, but somehow you don’t seem the same as you 
did when you came here. You have been so 

patient with poor mamma ” 

am at a loss to understand what ails Laura,” 
said Bob to Mrs. W. B. ^^Why should she take this 
matter so much to heart? She actually seems to 
grieve about Mr. Abbott. It seems strange ” 

Nellie looked at her uncle in surprise, and ex- 
claimed: ^^Didn’t you know? Why! I supposed 
everybody knew 

^^Knew what ?” he asked. 

^^Knew what? Why, Uncle Bob! They were 
engaged.” 


165 


Serious Complications* 


This time it was Bob’s turn to be surprised. 
^‘They were engaged? Great Scott! Engaged?” 

^^Engaged 1” echoed Mrs. W. B. R. ^^Laura never 
told mef' 

^^Why, yes/’ said Nellie, supposed everybody 
knew. We saw him with his arm about mamma 
— and — he — and. mamma — ^oh, it was awfully 
funny.” Nellie was convulsed with laughter. 

Bob looked from Nellie to Mrs. W. B. E., and 
said very dryly, ‘^^They must be a pair of lunatics. 
Guess it’s contagious.” 

^^Oh, Uncle Bob, how can you say that? You 
Tcnow mamma is not crazy.” 

^^Well, if she isn’t, she is the next thing to it. 
Now, little girl, run into the garden and find Tom ; 
he is waiting for you. No more tears; depend on 
Uncle Bob to help you. He will see that you are 
not made unhappy.” 

Nellie threw her uncle a kiss, and ran out 
through the conservatory, into the garden. 

After Nellie had gone. Bob said to Mrs. W. B. 
E. : ^^Laura did not see fit to confide in me, but if 
everybody knows of this nonsense, she must be 
about dead with mortification.” 

^^Why do you call it nonsense ?” she asked, as she 
arose to go. ^^We are never too old to love/* 


f66 


Another Announcement* 


^^Don’t go/’ said Bob; ^^sit down. I want to 
talk with you.” 

^^Cupid is thousands of years old/’ continued 
Mrs. W. B. K.;, seating herself^ ^^and he is just as 
loving and lovely as ever, Mr. Corson.^^ 

Bob seated himself near her, and looking seri- 
ously at her, he said: ^^You are not too old to love, 
and to be loved. You are not what you wish to 
appear to be.^^ 

Mrs. W. B. K. drew herself up haughtily, and 
frigidly she said : ^^Imagination, Mr. Corson. One 
does not change character as one puts on and off 
a glove.^^ 

^^Yor does one change one^s face by a pair of 
spectacles. You are not Mrs. Ealeigh. You are 
playing a part.^^ 

am Mrs. Kaleigh,^^ said she. 

^^For some reason, and what that reason is, I do 
not know, you have chosen to present yourself 
here as the widow of the late W. B. Ealeigh. I 
saw Mrs. Ealeigh years ago.'’^ 

have said, sir, that I am Mrs. Ealeigh. The 
years change us all.^^ 

^^They do not make black eyes blue, nor do they 
make the old, young.” 

The telephone was ringing, but Bob paid no 


J67 


Serious Complication^ ^ 

attention. He said very decidedly: ^^You are not 
Mrs. Kaleigh.^^ 

She replied quite as decidedly, am the widow 
ot the late W. B. Kaleigh.^^ 

Still the telephone rang. Bob sat and looked 
earnestly at Mrs. W. B. 

Finally, she said: ^^Mr. Corson, are you not 
aware that some one calls at the telephone 

Bob arose and answered the call. Turning to 
Mrs. W. B. E., he said (as he took up the bell and 
rang for Molly) : ^Tt is George and Cora, — they are 
married. They have eloped. Great Scott ! I 
guess George’s father put in his objections. They 
want Fritz to bring them home in the carriage.” 

Molly, in her Sunday best, came to answer the 
bell. 

^^Molly,” said Bob, ^Tell Fritz to get the carriage 
rt'ady and go to the station for a young married 
couple.” 

^^But, Meester Bobbart,” remonstrated Molly, 
^^ve vant to go to dot station mit ourselfs ven 
Fritz, he get pack mit dose leddars. He vas gone 
alreadty.” 

^^Send Fritz in here to me when he comes,” then 
said Mr. Corson to her. Taking a letter from hie 
pocket, he unfolded it, and seating himself beside 


168 


Another Announcement 


Mrs. W. B. K., said : ^^Here is a letter from Maude ; 
ifc will interest you. Fll read it to you.^^ 

^^My dear old Bob: Mr. Abbott came to our 
house a few days ago, and told papa a story as 
ludicrous on one side as sad on the other. He 
wants Mrs. Ealeight to meet him in San Francisco. 
Tell her to humor the old gentleman. He does 
not want his children to know where he is at 
present. 

Yours, Maude.''"' 

^^So Mr. Abbott is in San Francisco she said, 
when Bob had finished reading. suppose, then, 
that Laura is there too?^^ 

^^Yes,^^ he answered, advised her to go. I 
told her I would look out for everything and every- 
body, you included.^^ 

^^Vat you vant mit me, Mr. Corson?’^ asked 
Fritz, handing Bob a letter. 

Bob answered: ^^Get the carriage ready, go to 
meet the train, and bring home a young couple, 
Fritz. Let me know when you are ready.^^ 

^^But, Meester Corson, I vish to go und be vone 
m.arried couble mineself.^^ 

^Tlenty of time, Fritz. You must go for Miss 
Cora, Mrs. George Eandall.^^ 
i69 


Serious Complications* 


^^Meeses Eandall! Mees Cora? Veil, I vill go 
for Meeses Eandall/^ said Fritz, and he hurried 
out. 

Bob opened his letter. It was from Laura, in- 
forming him that she would be at home on the 
morrow. ^^We will carry things with a high hand 
before she gets here, and we had better be about it,^^ 
he said, as he folded the letter, put it in his pocket, 
and arose to leave the room. 

^^What do you mean, Mr. Corson?’^ Mrs. W. B. 
E. inquired. 

‘‘1 mean that Nellie shall not be made unhappy. 
You can use your influence with her; I have had 
a talk with Tom, and he has procured the license. 
I have an errand in town now, and you can talk 
to Nellie until I get back. You will probably 
find her in the garden.^^ 

Bob went off to town, and Mrs. W. B. E. went 
into the garden to find Nellie. 


t70 


Tom ancJ Nellie Elope* 


CHAPTER XXIIL 

TOM AND NELLIE ELOPE. 

When Xellie was sent into the garden by Uncle 
Bob, she found Tom sitting under a tree waiting 
for her. He told her that he and Bob had had a 
long talk together on the day after her mother left ; 
that Bob had given him a piece of advice and that 
he had acted upon it. It remained now for her 
to decide whether she would stand by him, or by 
her mother. ^^She has gone away now,^^ he said, 
^^and I am glad of it/^ 

^^Glad of it, Tom V’ She looked at him in sur- 
prise and asked, ^^Why 

^^Yes, I am glad she went. I hope she will stay 
a month. You were eighteen yesterday, were you 
notr^ 

^^Yes, Tom.^^ 

^^Your mother told Bob that nothing would in- 
duce her to allow you to marry the son of a luna- 
tic.^^ 


m 


Scnous Complicationg/' 


Tom, — I know, oh — I know said she, 
clinging to him and sobbing, 
run away.^^ 

^^And not tell mamma ?” 

^^After we get back.^^ 

^^What would she say?’^ 

^^What could she say?’^ 

^^Oh, Tom, I — I — donT — know.^^ 

^^Bob told her that he would run away with the 
girl, if he were in my place What do you think 
about it 

^^Did Uncle Bob say that?^^ she asked in sur- 
prise. 

^^Yes, he did, and he told me the same thing. 
He meant it, too, and let^s do it.^^ 

^^What would Auntie say?^^ 

^^Hang Auntie.^^ 

^Uh, Tom ! She is so good and kind, I wouldnT- 
hang Auntie ” 

^^]^o, Nellie,^^ said Mrs. W. B. E., entering the 
garden, ^^she loves you and wants to see you 
happy.” 

^^Auntie, did you hear what Tom said?’’ asked 
Hellie. 

^^Yes, dear, and I advise you to do what Tom 
says.” 

^^Will you do it?” Tom asked of Hellie. 

m 


Tom and Nellie Elope^ 


^^Yes, Tom/^ she replied. 

Hastily rising, he took her hand and saying, 
^^Let^s go at once,^^ he started toward the gate. 

^^Wait for Uncle Bob,^^ said Mrs. W. B. K. ; ^^he 
will soon be in.^^ 

Oh, Auntie, — I — I — can^ t — go — to-day 

^^Your mother will be here to-morrow, hTellie,^’ 

said Mrs. W. B. K., ^^and then 

Molly, entering the garden, interrupted, saying : 
^^Mees Uellie, I does not know ven Meeses Ealeigh 
vill pee cooming home, alreadty, und I vill vish to 
gife von veek’s nodice. I vill pee going avay.^^ 
^^Going away they all exclaimed in surprise. 
^^Going away ! Why do you leave 

^Well, you see I vas not so young like I vas. I 
hafe safed mit mine money. I vill hafe vone 
leedle house mit mineself, alreadty 

^^Live by yourself exclaimed Tom and Uellie. 
The color was mounting in Molly’s face, but she 
said: ^^You does not understhood; Fritz he vas go 
avay soon too.’’ 

^^Who is going away soon?” asked Bob, as he 
entered the garden. 

Nellie answered, ^^Molly is going away, and she 
eays Fritz is going away soon. Everybody seems to 
be going away.” 


Serious Complications. 


says she is going to live by herself/^ said 

Tom. 

^^But I donT understand why Fritz is going 
away/^ said Bob. 

Molly rolled the corners of her apron and said : 
^^Vell, Meester Bobbart, he vill puy vone leedle 
ranch. It vas dees vay : I hafe safe some mit mine 
money, too, und Fritz, he vant me to go life on 
dot ranch, und — und — make dot kraut — und ” 

^Tritz is going to be married,^^ said Bob; ^^yes 
— ^yes — he told me he wanted to be ^a marriet 
couble.^ H^m, I see.^^ 

^^Yah, Meester Bobbart, he vas going to marry 
mit me.^^ 

^^You will not leave to-day inquired Bob. 

^^Oh, no, sir, ve vill stay for de veek. I hear dose 
horses, I vill go,^^ and with her face flaming crim- 
son, Molly made her escape. 

^^Tom, you have the license, and the carriage is 
at the door. hTellie, get what you want, and go 
with Tom.’^ 

^^Bu — but — ^but — ^how — can ” 

^^N’o time for buts, l^ellie. Come, Ifll go with 
you; come.” Tom, holding Nellie by the hand, 
followed Bob. 


m 


Matrimony on a Grand Scale* 


CHAPTEE XXIY. 

MATRIMONY ON A GRAND SCALE. 

Mrs. W. B., sitting alone on the garden seat, 
after Bob and Xellie had gone, turned over in her 
mind the events of the past ten days. She flat- 
tered herself that in spite of everything, she had 
sustained her role. ^^Xow,^^ thought she, ^flt is 
time for me to go away. I intended to go to Cora 
Abbott^s, but I am half afraid. I wonder when 
Mr. Abbott will be at home, and if they will keep 
him conflned ? I suppose Cora thought that George 
would be a protection to her. I — I wish I knew 
if Bob has any idea who I really am. I wonder if 
that Maude is a pretty girl, and I would like to 
know if he is in love with her. Oh, I don^t know 
where to go, or what to do next. I have had one 
experience with a lunatic, and I don^t want an- 
other. I am afraid to go to Cora’s. Fll have to 
go home — and — and — will I never see Bob again? 

Oh, Bob, Bob, if you only knew 

Letting her head fall on the table, she hid her 

m 


Serious Complications# 

face in her hands, and sat for a long time in retro- 
spection. 

Bob entered ; but so lost in ^^memory^s halls’^ was 
she, that she neither heard nor saw him. 

For some time he stood looking at her; then he 
approached, and laying his hand on her head, said : 
^^Come inside with me. There is something I wish 
to say to you.^^ 

Mrs. W. B. raised her head, and looked at him. 
Something that looked suspiciously like a teardrop 
crept from under her glasses and started down her 
cheek; but she, with a quick motion, intercepted 
its progress with her handkerchief. Taking the 
arm that Bob offered, she went with him into the 
dining-room. 

Seating himself beside her on the couch he said : 
want you to give me your confidence now, as 
we are alone. Tell me your true name.^’ 

^^Ealeigh,^^ she answered. ^Tt is not a very un- 
common name.^^ 

^^You pretend to be the widow of the late W. B. 
Ealeigh, an attorney of ISTew York City.^^ 
do not pretend,^^ said she. 

^^Tell me your Christian name. You hesitate? 
Do you think I do not know you 

In surprise, she partly rose from the couch, ex- 
claiming : ^^You Jcnow me V’ 

m 


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“OH, ROBERT, THERE’S SOME ONE COMING!” 


Page 177 








Matrimony on a Grand Scale* 


Slipping his arm about her, he pulled her down 
beside him, and said: ^^Yes, Edith, I know you/^ 
Again she endeavored to rise, but he had his arm 
about her, and prevented her. 

must go away,^^ she stammered; recovering 
herself, she said decidedly: ‘Air. Corson, I shall 
go away; your conduct is unpardonable.^^ 

“No, you shall not go away now. I’ll not risk 
losing you again. You must explain. When I 
knew you in New York, I loved you, but I knew 
your mother didn’t favor my suit, and you were 

shy, so I was not sure of you 

Trying to rise, she interrupted: “I must go.” 
But Bob was persistent. He said as he held her 
on the seat, “You cannot go until we understand 
each other better. Why did you not answer my 
letters, as you promised you would?” 

Covering her face with her hands, she replied, 
“I did, as long as I received them.” 

Trying to remove her hands from her face, he 
asked : “Edith, did you answer them all ?” 

“Yes, Eobert. Oh, Bob, Bob !” Springing up, 
she exclaimed, “There’s some one coming.” 

“Meester Corson,” said Fritz, standing in the 
doorway, “I vas leave dose horses mit dot carriage 
ot dot station, und Meester Eandall can drive home 


Ml 


Serious Complications* 


mit himself. I vish to go now nnd pee vone 
marriet couble mit Molly.^^ 

^^Thunder! HavenH they come yet?^^ ex- 
claimed Bob. 

Meester Corson, dey hafe not coom.^^ 

^^But, Miss Nellie. Mrs. E . Oh, Lord, 

Fritz, if Mr. Eandall takes the carriage — Fritz, 
you must go back. Eide a horse and bring the 
carriage back.^^ 

Fritz placed his hands on his hips, and very 
blandly said: ^^Vat vill I do mit de horse, Mr. 
Corson 

^^Tie him behind the carriage, you ninny. Go ! 
Go now.^^ 

^Ty tamn !” ejaculated Fritz, vas mat like I 
vill bust.^^ 

^^It is early, Fritz, there is plenty of time.'^^ It 
was Edith who spoke. 

^^You must bring Miss Cora here, and then you 
must go for Miss Nellie,^^ said Bob. 

^^Vell, py tunder ! I vill go, und den I vill go 
to dot minister mit Molly, py tamn!^^ and Fritz 
hurried out, to go again to the station. 

Edith sat down. Placing his arm about her. 
Bob asked : ^^Why did you come here, Edith ? Did 
you know that I was here? Why do you imper- 
sonate Mrs. W. B. Ealeigh 

m 


Matrimony on a Grand Scale* 


^^Laura wrote — Cora wrote — and I came — I — 
did not know — that you — were here — no, oh, no, — 
I was to go 

am glad you didn%^.^ said Bob, holding her 
close. ^^Did you know that I was Laura’s 
brother ?” he asked. 

replied she, ^^or I never would have come. 
Oh, Bob, I — I lost all trace of you — I answered 
your letters as long as I received them, — I 
married ” 

^^You married! You are married!” exclaimed 
Bob, springing to his feet. 

^^Oh, no, no. I am a widow.” 

Bob sat down, exclaiming : ^^You did — did write ! 
You married! You are a widow! Christopher! 
Whew ! Why are you here ?” 

^^Laura invited me. I am the widow of the late 
attorney, W. B. Ealeigh — the second wife.” 

^^The second wife !” Bob repeated in amazement, 
ou married W. B. Ealeigh ? Great Scott ! 

And you came here in that rig ” 

^To turn the tables on Cora Abbott. We are 
old friends and schoolmates. She wanted my 
mother to come here as Mrs. W. B. Ealeigh. ETo. 

I She does not know that mother is dead.” 

Bob said to himself: ^^May she rest in peace.” 
Aloud he said: ^^Does Cora know you?” 

M9 


Serious Complications^ 


^^She takes me for my mother/^ 

^^Edith/^ said Bob, drawing her head down on 
his shonlder, ^^Yon did love me; do yon love me 
now 

^^Oh, yes. Oh, Bob, so much, and I\e been so 
— so unhappy.^^ 

Molly, in her best gown and her wrap and hat, 
appeared in the doorway. 

Springing quickly to his feet. Bob shouted, 
^^What the devil do you want?^^ 

telegraph for you, Meester Bob,^^ Molly said, 
handing an envelope to him. She left the room, 
but she had seen the ^^old lady’s’^ head resting on 
Bob’s shoulder, and she did not forget it. 

The telegram was from Laura Kaleigh; she 
wanted the carriage sent to meet the evening train. 

^^There come Cora and George,” said Bob. 
From the window he saw them coming up the 
walk. 

Edith rose. When they entered the room she 
threw both arms about Cora, exclaiming, ^^Cora ! 
Dear Cora!” 

Naturally, Cora was surprised at this demon- 
stration. She looked sharply at Edith, as the 
truth dawned upon her. Throwing herself on a 
chair, she laughed until the tears rolled down her 


m 


Matrimony on a Grand Scale* 


cheeks, while George stood in amazement, unable 
to comprehend the cause of such an explosion. 

When he had sufficiently recovered from his sur- 
prise, he asked, ^^What’s up, now? I see nothing 
to laugh about.^^ 

A peal of laughter from Edith was his only 
answer. 

George looked at her, and repeated the ques- 
tion. 

^^George,^^ said Bob, slipping his arm about 
Edith, ^^this lady is to be my wife.^^ 

‘‘Your wife? Another lunatic — yes, a pair. 
It must be contagious.^^ 

Bob roared with merriment, and led Edith out 
into the garden. 

^^Has Bob gone mad, that he must fall in love 
with his grandmother said George to Cora. 

Another scream of laughter from Cora, and then 
she said: ^^Oh, George, doffit you think she is 
lovely ? Bob does, and so do I. Ha ! ha ! ha Y 

There was a ring at the telephone. George 
answered it. ^^Great Jupiter V’ he exclaimed, 
going to ring the bell, ^^Hellie and Tom are mar- 
ried V’ 

^^Heavens, George ! Do you mean that Nellie 
and Tom have eloped 

^^Yes,^^ he answered, ^^Guess it^s contagious."^^ 


oerious Complications* 

Molly with her hat and wrap still on, answered 
the bell. ^^Somepoty ring?” she asked, shortly. 

George said: ^^Send Fritz.” 

^^Dere vas some foolishness, alreadty,” she 
snapped, as she flounced herself out. Meeting 
Fritz in the hall she sent him in. 

^^You send for me?” he angrily asked. 

^^Go to the station for a young married couple,” 
said George. 

^^Dree dimes alreadty I vas go to dot station. I 
vish to go to dot minister, und be vone marriet 
couble mit Molly, mineself. She vas vait for me — 
she vas all readty.” 

^^Going to be married, Fritz ?” George inquired. 

^Tlenty of time, Fritz,” said Cora. ^GFs Miss 
Yellie, Mrs. Tom Abbott.” 

^^Got in liimmel! Mees Yellie! Meeses Tom 
Obbott ! Veil, I vill go for Meeses Obbott.” His 
wrath somewhat lessened, Fritz went for Hellie, 
but he did not go alone to the station; two others 
accompanied him. 

^^Well,” said George, ^Vhat will happen now? 
Tt never rains but it pours.'’ Bob will be running 
away with the old lady next.” 

Cora laughed merrily, and said : ^^Well, suppose 
he does. Oh, George ! Ha ! ha ! ha ! Wouldn’t 
it be a joke if he should ? ha ! ha ! ha !” 

J82 


Matfimohy on a (jrand Scale* 


perfectly ridiculous — scandalous ! You 
wouldn^t laugh if Tom married Mrs. Ealeigh.^^ 
^^Of course not. That is a very different affair. 
Oh, George — ^ha ! ha ! Perhaps papa will try to 
elope next. Ha ! ha ! ha 

^^Yes/^ said George, ^^He might fall in love with 
the housemaid, Susan. Why doesnT Bob tell you 
where your father is, and when he will be at 
home ?” 

^^He was requested not to tell at present, but 
he knows that he is being well cared for, so I am 
not troubled about him. Bob says he is in good 
hands and is safe.^^ 

^When do you expect the young widow 
^^Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! I donT know, George. Ha ! 
ha ! ha ! ha ! You canT fall in love with her, now. 
You are twice too late. Ha! ha! ha! haP 

believe she is a myth, a creature of your 
imagination. She will never come.^^ 

^^Oh, George, you stupid! Ha! ha! ha! ha! 
ha V’ 

^^Oh, Cora,^^ cried Hellie, hounding into the 
room, followed by Tom, ^Vhat will mamma say? 
Tom and I are married.^^ 

^^What will you and Tom say? George and I 
are married.^^ 


m 


Serious Complications* 


^^Married? Do you mean it?^^ asked Tom in 
surprise. 

^^Why, Cora Abbott/^ exclaimed Nellie, ^^have 
you and George really gone and done it 

^^Yes, we eloped. Father and mother object to 
the daughter of a lunatic/^ said George. 

^^Mees Cora, Fritz, he vas pring dot ledder for 
you. Pat he vas dell him he tink you vas ot dees 
house dees dime.^^ Molly had come quickly in, 
and she still wore her hat and wrap. After giving 
Cora the letter, she turned to go. 

When Nellie (seeing that she was dressed in her 
best), asked: ^^Where have you been, Molly she 
answered: hafe peen noveres, ainT it? I vas 

peen going all de day, but Fritz, he spend all de 
dime put dose horses in dot carriage, dake dose 
horses oud dot carriage, und pring all dose marriet 
coubles. Fritz, he vas say he vas madt, und I 
vas madt, too, mine gracious 

^^Why, I don’t understand you, Molly,” said 
Nellie in surprise. 

^^Do you want to go somewhere ?” Tom asked. 

^^Yah, Meester Tom, I vas going to pee marriet 
mit Fritz.” 

^They are going to follow our example, and be 
married to-day,” said George to Tom. ^^You see 
it’s contagious.” 


m 


Matrimony on a Grand Scale* 

does not know apont dot/’ snapped Molly. 
^^Meester Bob, he go in dot carriage to dot station, 
he coom pack in dot carriage, nnd he dell Fritz, 
he must vonce more again take him to dot sta- 
tion, und Fritz he vas get madt ot dot foolishness. 
Dot octress, she go too.” Molly bobbed her head, 
in a very knowing way. 

Actress! Actress!” they all exclaimed. 

^^Dot octress dot Mees Cora vas send to dees 
house to joke midt Meeses Ealeigh. I know — I 
know.” 

^^Are you crazy too?” they all asked. 

^^FTo,” replied Molly, vas not looney mit mine 
headt. I see Meester Corson mit his arms around 
dot octress. I see — I see — und I vas hear her 
say dot she vas vone poor octress. I see dot old 
voman — she vas not vone old voman — dot old laty 
she vas vone young laty. She don’t lock de door, 
and ven I vas open dot door she hafe dot vig not 
on ; she schream und she schlam dot door mit mine 
face und I don’t like dot nieder.” Going to the 
door, Molly called back, vas know vat I vas 
talk apout.” 

^^What does this mean, Cora?” asked the others 
in chorus. 

An explosion of laughter was the only reply, 
guess the old lady is bald,” said George. 

i85 


Serious Complication^* 


^^That’s it” said Nellie, emphatically, Auntie 
must be bald/^ 

The matter thus settled to the satisfaction of 
all, they suddenly remembered that Cora had a 
letter, ^^Eead your letter,^^ they all cried. 

Cora sat down, and opened it. ^^From Maudie,^^ 
she said; ^disten and Fll read it to you: 

^Dear Cora : Mr. Abbott will leave for home 
to-morrow. I assure you, dear, that your papa^s 
mind is sound as mine. You know, dear, that 
we are all foolish sometimes. A young girl is 
as attractive to an elderly man, as to a young one 
— why not? And he — ^well, he is the same dear 
man he has always been. I am to be married to- 
day — I shall go down to your home on my wedding 
trip. I hope you will be glad to see me again. 

^Yours, 

mUDE." 


^^Great Scott exclaimed George. 

^^Holy Moses ! If father 

wonder if Maude has 

Cora interrupted Nellie, saying: ^^Maude mar- 
ried ! I wonder if she has lassoed papa ?” 

The entrance of Fritz put an end for the time 
being, to their conjectures. 

186 


Matrimony on a Grand Scale* 


Fritz was angry — so angry that he was red in 
the face. Said he : ^^Mees ISTellie, I vas go und dake 
mineself right avay. I vill not pring any more 
dose marriet coubles to dees blace. Dot Meester 
Bob, he go in dot carriage mit vone young laty 
und he dell me vait py dot station vone leedle dime 
und pring him home mit dot laty.^^ 

^^Where did he go, Fritz asked the young 
people. 

^^Yell, I does not know dot. Meester Corson, 
he dell me vait by dot station; und I say to my- 
self, Ty tunder ! I vill go now und pring mine- 
self vone marriet couble mineself, mit Molly.^ I 
vill onhitch dose horses und den I vill go/’ 

There was a ring at the telephone, and Fritz 
went out. 

Tom answered the call, went to the table and 
rang the bell. 

^^WhaFs going on now ?” the young folks asked. 

Tom replied : ^^Bob wants the carriage,^^ 

Molly flounced in and angrily said, ^^Yell ! I vas 
here, don’t it?” 

^‘^Send Fritz,” said N’ellie. 

vill send Fritz,” snapped Molly, and flounced 

out. 

^^Well 1 Bob has gone and done it, if he has gone 
and married his grandmother,” remarked George. 

f87 


Serious Complications. 


Nellie was indignant. ^^How could Uncle Bob 
marry his grandmother?^^ she asked. 

Cora held her hand.s on her sides, and 'was con- 
vulsed with laughter. 

Fritz stalked into the room, hat in hand. ^^Vell, 
dees vas Fritz 

Tom told Fritz that Mr. Corson wanted him to 
bring him home with the carriage. 

Fritz was furious. He threw his hat on the 
floor and stormed about. Said he : ^^Dere vas some 
more marriet coubles, donT it? I vill lose me 
mine headt ! I svear to gosh, I vill dake me avay 
from dees blace. I vill not go to dot station some 
more, alreaty. I vill go to dot minister mit 
Molly.^^ 

^^But if there is a lady with him, she canT walk 
home, you know,^^ said Cora. 

^Ty tunder!’^ said Fritz, picking up his hat, 
^^Dees dime vonce more I vill go mit dose horses. 
I vill not go again alreadty, py tamn. If dot 
Meester Abbott send me mit dot carriage, he vill 
just valk home mit himself. Ifll just fool dem 
folks vone pundeV^ he said to himself as he went to 
harness the horses and again take the carriage to 
the station. 

^^Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! ha roared Tom, ^^Fritz is 
getting riley.^^ 


m 


Matrimony on a Grand Scale* 


is Molly/^ said Xellie. 

! ha ! ha ! ha V’ laughed Cora. They want to 
go and be married.^^ 

^^That^s natural/^ said George. 

^Tt seems so strange not to have Auntie here; 
I wonder why she went to town with Uncle Bob 

^^She is in love with him/^ said Cora, doubling 
herself up and screaming with laughter. 

^‘^DonT talk nonsense, Cora,^^ said Uellie, toss- 
ing her head contemptuously. 

^^Fritz said that a young lady went with Bob. 
Who in the world could it have been ?’’ said Tom. 

Cora found voice long enough to say, ^^Mrs. W. 
B. Ealeigh did go with Bob. I saw them go out 
together. Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha 

^Terhaps they wonT come back together,^^ said 
George. 

^^Oh, George, George, what a gander you are. 
Oh— ha! ha! ha! ha! haU 

thought Bob and Maude were attracted,^^ re- 
marked George. 

Nellie then informed him that her uncle had had 
a love affair two years ago. That after losing his 
heart he had the misfortune to lose the young 
lady who had it in her possession. 

To Tom^s question, ^^How did he lose her?^^ she 
replied : have no idea ; he said she promised to 

i59 


Sctioxss Complications, 


answer his letters if he wrote to her, but he re- 
ceived only two, and he never heard from her 
afterward/^ 

^^Well, I declare !” George exclaimed. ^^Do you 
mean to say that Bob never had an affection of the 
heart until two years ago? Humph! Bob must 
be thirty-two, at least. Who was. the young lady, 
Nellie 

forget what her name was. She was as beau- 
tiful as an angel, and she was young, of course. 
She had no father, and her mother was an ac- 
tress.^^ 

With an exclamation of surprise, Cora leaned 
forward towards Nellie and excitedly asked: ^^Was 
her name Barlow ? Try to remember, was it Edith 
Barlow 

^^Barlow — B — Edith — E — Edith,^^ said Nellie, 
trying to recall the name. I believe it was — Edith. 
Yes, I am sure it was Edith, but I do not remem- 
ber that Bob told her surname.^^ 

Corals eyes shone with excitement; the color 
rose in her cheeks, and she said: ^^Well, this has 
been an eventful day!^^ 

^^And the events of the day have quite excited 
you,^^ replied George. 

Said Tom, love story is always exciting.^^ 


m 


Matrimony on a Grand Scales 


of course it is/’ said Nellie. ^^But poor 
Uncle Bob.^^ 

^^Go on, Nellie. Tell us about Bob^s love affair/^ 
said George. 

Nellie assured them that she knew but little 
about it. She only knew that Bob had fallen in 
love at first sight with a young lady in New York, 
that he had managed to obtain an introduction to 
her, and that she had seemed to like him.” 

^^Then why the dickens didnT they marry?” 
questioned Tom. 

^^Her mother didnT like him for some reason, 
and she was not very polite ” 

^^Showed him the door ?” asked George, making 
a very suggestive motion with his foot. 

^^Oh, no, not quite as bad as that,” said Nellie, 
^^but he was called to Australia, and after a while 
his letters were returned unopened.” 

Cora had been listening with undisguised aston- 
ishment; but when George, thinking that he was 
furnishing the sequel to BoVs affair, said: ^^And 
now he consoles himself with his grandmother,” 
she shrieked with laughter. 

^^Cora, if you know anything funny, why don’t 
you tell it ?” asked Tom. 

^Tt isnt funny; it’s sad,” said Nellie. 

Cora volunteered the information that they 

m 


Serious Complications* 


would not think so, very long, and then she laughed 
as if Bob’s love affair was the funniest thing she 
had ever heard. 

Tom remarked: ^^You must think that Bob has 
lost his head.” 

^^Oh, no, not all. Bob has found the custodian 
of his heart. I know the sequel to Yellie’s story.” 

^^Then you had better tell it,” said they all. 

^^The daughter was beautiful 

^^ISTellie told us all that — ^go on,” interrupted 
George. ^^That is a matter of course. Telephone, 
Tom.” 

Tom called in the telephone : ^^Hello — all right.” 
Taking up the bell, he rang for Molly. 

^‘^What is wanted now ?” came in chorus from the 
others. 

Tom answered: ^^Mrs. Ealeigh wants the car- 
riage.” 

Yellie asked : ^^Mamma or Auntie ?” 

^^Yotir mother,” Tom replied. ^^Go on, Cora.’^ 

Cora continued : ‘^^The mother became ill ” 

^^Vat you vant dees dime?” asked Molly, glaring 
at Tom. 

^^Mrs. Ealeigh wants the carriage, tell Fritz.” 

^^Fritz, he vas not come yet !” 

^^Send him in when he comes,” said Tom. 

Molly’s eyes blazed. In answer to George, who 

\92 


Matrimony on a Grand Scale* 


asked, ^‘Whafs the matter Molly she said, 
vas madt, py tamn. Oh — -oh — mine gracious/' 
Covering her face with her hands to hide her con- 
fusion, she fled. 

^^Continue, Cora,” said they all. 

^^To please the mother, she married a wealthy 
widower ” 

^^Helloa, all of you,” callod Bob. ^^Congratula- 
tions are in order. Matrimony is contagious. My 
wife has gone to remove her wraps.” 

George sprang to his feet, exclaiming: ^^Jeru- 
salem ! Oh, Bob ! Do you mean it ?” 

Cora rushed to Bob, and giving her hand, she 
said to him, congratulate you with all my 
heart.” 

^^Thunder!” ejaculated Tom, Whom have you 
married ?” 

^^Uncle Bob, have you married Auntie? What 
have you done?” 

A beautiful young woman, of not more than 
twenty-two, entered. Going to Bob she slipped 
her hand under his arm, and smiled at Cora, who 
called: ^^Well, Edith. Edith, you deserve to be 
happy.” 

The others looked from one to another, and. re- 
peated : ‘^Edith! Edith!” 


Serious Gjmplications* 


Nellie rang the bell for Molly, and said: 
wonder why Fritz doesn^t come/^ 

Bob, taking Edith’s hand, introduced her as his 
wife. 

Again Nellie rang the bell. 

‘•Where is Mrs. W. B. E. ?” asked Tom of Bob. 

“You’ll never see her again,” he answered. 

Again Nellie rang the bell. 

George said : “Bob, Mrs. Laura Ealeigh is at the 
station, she must have gotten there after you left.” 

“Great Scott !” said he, “I forgot all about her 
dispatch. Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha !” 

Tom put his arm about Nellie, and together they 
went to look for Fritz. They found the carriage 
gone, and returned to the house. 

George inquired of Bob if Mrs. W. B. E. went 
away with him. Eeceiving a reply in the affirma- 
tive, he asked: “Did she come back with you?” 

To this question, Edith replied: “Only Mrs. 
Corson came back with Bob. Mrs. W. B. Ealeigh 
will never come back.” 

Cora, making a very low bow to Mrs. Corson, 
said : “She became a widow ” 

Bob finished the story by saying: “Now she is 
my wife.” 

Laura Ealeigh stalked into the room, followed 
by Mr. Abbott. With indignation, she inquired: 

J?4 


Matrimony on a Grand Scale* 


"'Why didn’t you send Fritz to meet me with the 
carriage? We waited for him until we were tired 
of it, and then we walked; and we are completely 
tired out.” 

^^Why, father! Why ” 

^^Why, papa, we expected you to-morrow,” said 
Cora, interrupting Tom. 

Nellie, looking at Mr. Abbott, informed him that 
Cora and George were married. 

Of course the announcement was a surprise ; but 
when Cora informed Laura that Nellie and Tom 
were a newly-wed ded couple, she was amazed. Mr. 
Abbott was interested in a picture on the wall. 
Of course he heard nothing of what was said. 

Suddenly Laura’s eyes rested on Edith; before 
her stood a stranger, a young and fashionably at- 
tired woman; who was she? 

There was a merry twinkle in Bob’s eyes when 
he introduced her as, ^^My wife, Mrs. Corson.” 

Even Mr. Abbott forgetting his interest in the 
picture, turned to look at Bob’s wife. 

^^Mrs. Ealeigh is gone,” said George, ^^and she 

not coming back.” 

^^Gone ! Mrs. Ealeigh gone ! Why did she 
go?” Laura asked. 

^^Sister, the second wife of W. B. Ealeigh is now 
Mrs. Eobert Corson.” 


J95 


Serious Complications* 


Mrs. Raleigh looked at Edith, and her fac^ 
turned crimson; but she managed to exclaim: 
‘‘Bob ! Married ! Second wife ! Great Heavens ! 
What will happen next 

“I vas pring mineself home mit dot carriage 
vone marriet couble/^ shouted the delighted Fritz, 
pushing Molly into the room. Pointing to her, he 
said, "'Dees is mine vife/' Suddenly he spied Mrs. 
Raleigh, for a moment he stared at her, and then 
recovering from his surprise, he exclaimed: “Veil! 
Meeses Raleigh! Tunder and blitzenT^ 

A very satisfied smile crept over her face, as she 
said: “If you please, I am Mrs. Abbott/' 

“Mrs. Abbott! Mrs. Abbott! Mrs. Abbott r 
“Father V’ “Papa “Mamma V’ “Laura V’ 
sounded on all sides, by voices ranging from bass 
to treble. 

“Mine gracious!’^ shouted Molly. “Look all 
dose marriet coubles.’^ 

Fritz threw up his hands in disgust, and fairly 
yelled: "Gott in Himmel! She vas gone und 
marriet dot insane crazytic/' 


THE END. 


196 


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‘‘Nearly two years ago Dr. Carlos Marty n and Mr. Charles 
F. Rideal, both men of ideas and enterprise, and both volumi- 
nous writers, established a business for the publication of their 
own works. Success has attended their efforts in a most 
marked degree, and now Mr. Rideal and his colleague are pre- 
senting books other than the efforts of their own pens in the 
same artistic letterpress and binding that have contributed to 
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Saturday T{eview, 


SOME VERDICTS OF THE PRESS. . 

Makes one glad the Abbey Press has come into the field. — 
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in preparation. — CN^ewspaperdom, New York. 


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with the leading publishing houses of the metropolis. — Atlanta 
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excellence of its work. — The "Book Worlds New York. 


V 


AUTHORS AND ARTISTS 


Appleton, George. • 
Atherly, Robert Drew. 

Ayr, Landis. 

Barnes, Willis. 

Bartz, U. S. 

Borders, Joe H. 

Brooke, Gregory. 

Brown, Bametta. 

Buffington, T. P. 

Burdick, Lewis Dayton. 
Burling, Clinton Osgood. 
Campbell, William M. 

Cary, Katherine Miles. 

Clark, William Adolphus. 
Clarke, Albert G., Jr. 

Clay, John M., Mrs. 

Clemens, Will M. 

Collins, Wilkie. 

Cone, John A. 

Craddock, Florence N. 

Dean, Howard. 

Delanoy, M. Frances Hanford. 
Dickens, Charles. 

Doubleday, Stewart. 
Drummond, Henry. 

Duxbury, C. Richmond, Mrs. 
Edwards, Almus Hugh. 
Elshemus, L. M. 

Emmel, May C. 

Field, Elaine L. 

Flattery, M. Douglas. 
Fradenburgh, J. N. 

French, Minnie Reid. 

Fox, Page. 

Gardner, Etta M. 


Gardner, W. H. 

Gordon, A. M. R. 

Graham, Marie. 

Green, Benjamin E. 
Greenleaf, Sue. 

Greer, Julian. 

Gregory, Daniel Seelye. 
Hamilton, Sam A. 
Hammond, John Hays. 
Harker, Charles R. 

Harkins, James W., Jr. 
Hartman, L« B. 

Hartshorn, Mary A. 

Hartt, Irene Widdemer. 
Hobson, Margaret. 

Holmes, Herbert. 

Hopkins, Alphonso Alva. 
Howard, Lady Constance. 
Hussey, Cyrus M. 
Hutchinson, Warren B. 
Jennings, Edwin B. 
Johnson, Stanley Edwards. 
Johnston, Elizabeth Bryant. 
Jokai, Maurus. 

Kankakee, James. 

Kaven, E. Thomas, 
Kearney, Belle. 

Kellogg, J. 

Kemble, W. Fretz, 
Lawrence, William V, 

Lay, Wiliiam. 

Lee, J. F. 

Lindsay, Clarence M. 
Loring, Mattie Balch. 

Love, MargaretB. 


AUTHORS AND ARTISTS 


Mackin, M. 

Macleod, Warren M. 
Mankowski^ Dc, Mary, 

Marie, Rose. 

Martin, Amarala. 

Martyn, Carlos. 

Merimee, Prosper. 

Middleton, E. 

Miller, Andrew J. 

Miller, Lischen M. 

Milroy, Elizabeth. 

Morris, James Edwin, Mrs. 
Morris, Moses D. 

Muir, Law. 

Munn, Charles Clark. 
Munyon, Dora Harvey, 
Muzzy, Alice M. 

Myth, M. Y. T. H. 
Napoliello, R. R. 

Niall, Mical Ui. 

NichoU, Edith M. 

Ousley, Clarence, 

Pacheco, Mary, 

Palier, Emile A. 

Pierson, Alice. 

Pomeroy, Helen, 

Preston, South G. 

Pritchard, Agnes Camplejohn, 
Raymond, Walter Marion. 
Rideal, Charles F. 

Riggs, Arthur Stanley. 
Ripley, N. B. 

Rogers, Charlotte Boardman. 
Root, Frederick Stanley, 
Rose, A. McGregor, 

Roundy, Alice Miriam, 


Rowe, C. H. 

Runyan, N. P, 

Sawyer, Nellie Tolman, 

Scribner, Kimball, 

Searle, E, W, 

Seltzer, Charles A. 

Simms, Margaret D, 

Sheppard, Antoinette, 

Smimow, Louis. 

Smith, Abbie N, 

Stevenson, Robert Louis. 

Stewart, M. B. 

Stockwell, George A. 

Stone, Isabel Scott. 

Stormbrow, Harold. 

Sutton, Warner P. 

Tabor, Edward A, 

Tobey, Olive C. 

Tolstoi, Count, 

Valentine, Jtine. ' 

Van Dyke, Curtis. 

Van Rensselaer, J, K,, Mrs. 
Waite, Gertrude Mitchell. 
Walker, Jessie. 

Walker, Elliott, 

Warren, H. V. 

Wescheke, Emil. 

Westervelt, Leonidas. 

White, Elizabeth Stoughton Gale. 
Williams, Benjamin W, 

Wilson, Abbie Oliver, 

Winbiglcr, Charles F. 

Winter, C, Gordon. 

Wright, W, H. 

Young, Duncan F, 

Young, G. L. 


ADVERTISING AGENTS' DIRECTORY, THE. 

Arranged alphabetically and in States, including Great Britain and 
Canada. Nothing of the kind has ever before appeared. All who 
for any reason wish to know who the advertising agents are and 
how they can be reached, will find the desired information here. 
The Directory is brought down strictly to date. Cloth. One 
Dollar. (In preparation.) 

AFLOAT WITH OLD GLORY, 

By H. V. Warren. This is a patriotic book, over which the Star- 
Spangled Banner floats, and from which, as though it were a 
man-of-war, the cannons thunder and the wild cheers of Uncle 
Sam’s tars ring out far over the water. In these days of “wars 
and rumors of wars ’’ such a book will be eagerly read. Cloth, 
lamo. One Dollar. 

AMERICAN ELOQUENCE. 

By Carlos Martyn. A text book of oratory, with characteristic 
extracts, divided into passages suitable for declamation from the 
speeches of typical orators of all schools and sections from colonial 
times to the present day, together with brief personal sketches and 
critical estimates. Copious index. (In preparation.) 

AMERICAN WOMEN OF THE TIME. 

Being a Dictionary of Biographical Records of Eminent Living 
Women. Revised to date and edited by Mr. Charles F. Rideal, 
Mrs. John King Van Rensselaer and Dr. Carlos Martyn. It is the 
first time a book of reference of this kind has been compiled in the 
special interests of any women in any country. The efforts of the 
publishers will be directed towards the securing a standard 
work, founded on reliable data, and which will be a suitable addi- 
tion to any bookshelf. Cloth. $7.50. (In preparation.) 

BALLADS OF BROTHERHOOD. 

By Alphonso Alva Hopkins. These poems are mighty with sup- 
pressed passion. As one reads them, the eye kindles and the pulse 
accelerates. The writer has broad sympathies and can say with 
the old Roman, “Nothing that concerns humanity is foreign 
to me.” Cloth, small i2mo, 84 pages. Fifty Cents. 

BEAUTIFUL HAND OF THE DEVIL, THE. 

By Margaret Hobson. The plot and treatment in this novel bear 
out the striking and startling title. It will be read at a sitting. 
Cloth, small i2mo. Fifty Cents. f 

5 


BOBTAIL DIXIE. 

By Abbie N. Smith. Lovers of dogs (and their name is legion) 
have a treat in this book. The illustrations which accompany it 
speak as often and as loudly as the dog himself. Cloth, i2mo, 
profusely illustrated. One Dollar. 

BRITANNIA? OR, I'HE WHITE QUEEN. 

By the Rev. South G. Preston. An historical novel of rare power 
and absorbing interest, dealing with Queen Bess, Lord Bacon 
and other “high mightinesses” of the Elizabethan era. Cloth, 
i2mo. One Dollar. 

CANDLE LIGHT, A, AND OTHER POEMS. 

, By Louis Smirnow. Poetry that appeals to the heart. Not the 
kind that is considered classical because it is stuffed with mytho- 
logical subjects and with names of forgotten heroes. This pro- 
ceeds from emotion and that intensity of feeling begotten only by 
experience, either direct or observed, and excites the same 
emotions and feelings in the readers. This is the mission of true 
poetry. Cloth. One Dollar. 

CAT TALES IN VERSE. 

By Elliot Walker. The multitudinous friends (young and old) of 
cats will welcome in this book an absolutely new thing under the 
sun, namely, the vtiaous of their favorites set in rhyme. Owners 
of cats and these feline animals themselves owe this author a 
unanimous vote of thanks. The verses are unique and admirably 
done. Cloth, with cover designed by C. H. Rowe. Fifty Cents. 

CAVALIER POETS. 

By Clarence M. Lindsay. These sketches of the poets of England 
about the period of the Commonwealth, are gems. They are full 
enough to give the much needed information, but yet so brief that 
they may be read with ease. Specimens of the style of each 
are given, and the reader in an hour or two can grasp knowl- 
edge which otherwise he cannot gain in as many weeks or months. 
Cloth, small i2mo. Fifty Cents. 

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE AND KINDRED SUPERSTITIONS. 

By the Rev. Charles F. Winbigler. Written on a polemical sub- 
ject, yet in a kindly spirit. The arraignment of Mrs. Eddy is keen 
and incisive, and the basis of her so-called science is analyzed and 
overthrown with great good humor, but with remorseless logic. 
The best popular discussion of Christian Science now in the 
market. Specially commended to Church people and Sunday 
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6 


CHRIST'S MESSAGE TO THE CHURCHES. 

By William M. Campbell. Of special interest to Biblical students. 
The exegesis is exceedingly clear and is always plausible, even 
when not entirely convincing. New light is thrown on old difl&cul- 
ties. The author will be sure of attracting thousands of interested 
readers. Cloth, izmo, 170 pages. One Dollar, 

COALS OF FIRE, 

By M. Frances Hanford Delanoy. Those who have read Mrs. 
Delanoy’s “Serious Complications,” as well as those who have 
not, will eagerly seize upon this book. It is equally good in its 
• way. The title gives the key to the contents of the book, which 
we will not deprive the reader of the pleasure of exploring by out- 
lining the plot. Cloth, izmo. One Dollar. 

CONCHITA'S ANGELS. 

By Agnes Camplejohn Pritchard. The first sketch, from which 
the book takes it title, deals with matters incident to the late Cuban 
war, patriotism, suffering, privation, tragedy. Pathos and humor 
are combined in three other stories which go to make up the book. 
Cloth, izmo, Z16 pages. One Dollar. 

CONSPIRACY OF YESTERDAY, A. 

By Mical Ui Niall. This story would please the Boers, since it 
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England still survives. Cloth, izmo, daintily produced, 75 pages. 
Fifty Cents. 

CONTINENTAL CAVALIER, A, 

By Kimball Scribner. Author of “ The Honor of a Princess ” 
(twenty-third thousand), “ The Love of the Princess Alice ” (fif- 
teenth thousand), and “ In the Land of the Loon.” The author 
writes here in his well-known popular style and contributes one 
more (and not the least) to the eagerly-awaited historical novels of 
Revolutionary times. His characters are resurrections and in 
them the past lives again. Mr. Kimball Scribner is rapidly be- 
coming one of the most popular of the younger writers of to-day. 
With four illustrations on copper. Cloth, izmo, Z58 pages. One 
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CORDELIA AND OTHER POEMS. 

By N. B. Ripley. These verses are the work of a talented and 
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for poetry: “ Look into thine own heart — and write.” As a result, 
we have here thoughts that breathe and words that burn. Cloth, 
small izmo. Fifty Cents. 


7 


COUNCIL OF THREE, THE. 

By Charles A. Seltzer. A very interesting account of a supposed 
adventure in a romantic part of the world, together with a de- 
scription of three remarkable characters grouped in a Council and 
governing an idyllic Commonwealth. The hero comes through 
safely and makes friends of the three councillors for life, thereby 
winning a fortune. Cloth, i2mo, 177 pages. One Dollar. 

COUNTRY STORE WINDOW, A. 

By Herbert Holmes. These poems ring true. They describe the 
thoughts and feelings of one gazing out upon life as through a 
country store window. The moral quality of the poems does not 
detract from, but rather enhances, their interest and value ; while 
the literary form is unexceptionable. Cloth, i2mo. One Dollar. 

CRIME OF CHRISTENDOM, THE. 

By Daniel Seelye Gregory, L.D., LL.D. Here the Eastern Ques- 
tion is luminously described in its origin and development, by a 
master mind. It is by far the ablest and fullest discussion of the 
Turk in Europe extant. The work is scholarly and interesting, 
with photograph and biographical sketch of the author, and sev- 
eral maps. Cloth, i2mo, 330 pages. $1.50. 

CROSS OF HONOR, THE. 

By Charles F. Rideal and C. Gordon Winter. A military drama- 
lette in one act. The period is that of the Cuban war; the scene, 
the entrenchments at Santiago; the characters, five in number, are 
all masculine save one, who is a hospital nurse. It is very inter- 
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the ringing down of the curtain. Second Edition. Daintily 
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CURIOUS CASE OF GENERAL DELANEY SMYTHE, THE. 
By W. H. Gardner, Lieutenant-Colonel U. S. A. (retired). Not for 
many years has a more interesting or mysterious story appeared 
than this. Those who follow the fortunes of General Delaney 
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have a wide and permanent sale. With four illustrations by Miss 
Lowenstein. Cloth, i2mo, specially designed cover, 204 pages. 
One Dollar. 

DANGER SIGNALS FOR NEW CENTURY MANHOOD. 

By Edward A. Tabor. Is a masterly discussion of the dangers 
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United States. It is also a beautiful portraiture of the young 
manhood which should exist in the 20th century. Including pho- 
tograph and biographical sketch of the author. z2mo, cloth bound, 
316 pages. One Dollar. 


8 


DAYS THAT ARE NO MORE, THE. 

By Elizabeth Bryant Johnston. These are stories of the Old 
South. The author depicts scenes and characters which belong to 
the recent past, but yet which seem to be as remote as the days of 
the Crusades. It is fortunate that those familiar with “ Dixie " 
before the war yet live to paint it before it fades forever out of 
view. Cloth, *i2mo, daintily bound. One Dollar. 

DEFEATED, BUT VICTOR STILL. 

By Will' am V. Lawrence. A story of the mysteries of New Or- 
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for a long time. Second Edition, Cloth, i2mo, 424 pages. One 
Dollar. 

DEMOCRACY AND THE TRUSTS. 

By Edwin B. Jennings, author of “People and Property.” The 
author shows that there is an irrepressible conflict between these 
two. They are, or must soon be, locked in a deadly conflict, and 
if one is to survive, the other must perish. Mr. Jennings’ style is 
trenchant, and his arraignment of trusts in the interest of democ- 
racy must be read to be appreciated. Cloth, 65 pages. Fifty 
Cents. 

DEVOUT BLUEBEARD, A. 

By Marie Graham. This is a keen, satirical story which hits off 
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DOCTOR JOSEPHINE. 

By Willis Barnes. A charming love story, interwoven with hints 
and suggestions as to how to harmonize the warring interests of 
capital and labor. The author thinks the secret of union lies in 
profit sharing. Cloth, i2mo. One Dollar. 

DOCTRINE OF THE BOOK OF ACTS, THE. 

By G. L. Young. The work of a scholarly and competent clergy- 
man, who writes in a bright, unsectarian spirit, throwing light 
into every dark corner of this important portion of the New Testa- 
ment. Men and women of all creeds will find here a careful and 
suggestive dissection of the teachings of the apostles in the for- 
mative period of the^ Christian Church. Second Edition. 
i2mo. One Dollar. 


9 


DIABOLICAL IN SCRIPTURE AND IN HUMAN LIFE^ THE, 
By Harold Stormbrow, D.D., LL.D. A curious discussion of the 
existence, personality and activity of Satan as he appears in Holy 
Writ and in history, together with the opinions of eminent men in 
all walks of life, concerning his attributes and real character. 
Cloth, 8vo. Limited edition. Ten Dollars. (In preparation.) 

DIP IN THE POOL, A — (Bethcsda.) 

“The Whole World is Aweary.” “Be Refreshed and Better.” 
By Barnetta Brown. Our manner of thinking about matters and 
things has much more to do with our success and happiness than 
is usually admitted, and the little Bethesda Book seeks to suggest 
a train of thought which will refresh life’s oft-time weary traveler. 
What more refreshing to the body than a dip in cool, cleansing 
water? So to the mind, strained, tired and puzzled, there is 
nothing more refreshing than a dip in a pool of freshening, 
strengthening, cleansing thought ; and this pool of clean thought 
this Sunshine Book makes a modest attempt to provide in one of the 
“ Sunshine Books ” which has the endorsement of the International 
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ty-five Cents. The set of Six, $1.50. 

DOOMED TURK, THEj 

or, The End of the Eastern Question. By E. Middleton. An in- 
teresting and striking discussion of the Eastern Question. It 
is a timely book. The eyes of the world are fastened upon the 
Orient, and what to do with the Chinaman in the far East and 
with the Turk in the nearer East are the questions of the hour. 
The author’ s suggested method of handling the latter question 
is as unique as it is original. Cloth. Fifty Cents. 

EXPERIENCE. 

“ How to Take It ; How to Make It.” By Barnetta Brown. This 
booklet contains the secret many have been trying to discover, 
more or less consciously, for a long time ; and it is believed that if 
the method of taking experience, set forth, is faithfully followed, 
it will lead to a great deal of happiness, and later on to a certain 
and satisfactory way of making it. The unreasonable appear- 
ance of experience is made to assume its real and true propor- 
tions; and all who read it will see that reason instead of chaos, 
orderly sequence instead of disorder, in all forms of experience 
once duly appreciated as truth, will change darkness into bright- 
ness. One of the “Sunshine Books” which has the endorsement 
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produced. Twenty-five Cents. The set of Six, $1.50, 

10 


FEATHER^S WEIGHT, A. 

By Amarala Martin. This is a story of mystery — one of^ those 
breathless tales which hold the attention from the start to the 
finish. Unlike some of them, it ends as the reader would have it 
do, and at thQ close all goes merry as the marriage bell. Second 
Edition. Cloth, small i2mo, 131 pages. Fifty Cents. 

FIGHTING AGAINST FATE. 

By Moses D. Morris. An exciting and true story, more dramatic 
than a drama. Those who like a blood-curdling, hair-raising nar- 
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recommended to buy this book. A large sale is already assured. 
Cloth, lamo, 260 pages, with one hundred striking illustrations. 
One Dollar. 

FLOWER OF THE TROPICS, A, 

And Other Stories of Mexico and the Border. By Warner P. 
Sutton. This author, a distinguished diplomat and lawyer, who 
was also Consul-General in Mexico for ten years, gives in this 
work a number of extremely interesting sketches of Mexica,n and 
Border life. The stories are saturated with the Spanish spirit and 
with the genius of the localities described. Cloth, i2mo, 121 pages, 
daintily printed and bound. One Dollar. 

FOUNDATION RITES. 

By Lewis Dayton Burdick. The rites and ceremonies prevalent 
among barbarous and semi-barbarous peoples are reproduced in 
a modified form in all the higher civilizations. In this masterly 
work, the author traces the relations between the primitive be- 
ginnings and the later evolutions. Mr. Burdick has amassed a 
great treasure of facts and illustrations which he makes both 
interesting and instructive. Cloth, i2mo. $1.50. 

FROM CLOUDS TO SUNSHINE? 

or. The Evolution of a Soul. By E. Thomas Kaven. Author of 
“A Duel of Wits,” etc. Those who enjoy a luminous discussion 
of current questions relating to the origin and age of man, etc., 
conducted in a most finished manner, will find a treat in this vol- 
ume. It is full of snap, vim and good humor. Cloth, i2mo, 182 
pages. One Dollar. 

FROM THE FOUR WINDS. 

By Warren B. Hutchinson. These poems are vigorous produc- 
tions, full of power, and throb with true poetic feeling. The poet 
touches upon many themes within a small space, and always sug- 
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u 


GLOBE MUTINY, THE. 

■ By Wiiria.m Lay, of Say brook. Conn., and Cyrus M. Hussey, of 
Nantucket, the only survivors from the massacre of the ship’s 
company by the natives. A narrative of the mutiny on board the 
ship “ Globe,” of Nantucket, in the Pacific Ocean, January, 1824, 
and the journal of a residence of two years on the Mulgrave 
islands, with observations on the manners and customs of the in- 
habitants. A most entertaining reprint of a work published in 
1828. This book is a cross between one of Russell Clark’s sea 
stories and “Robinson Crusoe.” It deals with a real case of mu- 
tiny and the narrative is entrancing. It will be read with ab- 
sorbing interest by all lovers of sea stories. Cloth, i2mo, 163 
pages. Seventy-five Cents. 

GREAT BREAD TRUST, THE. 

By W. H. Wright. This booklet paints a supposed trust in bread, 
after the example of the Standard Oil Company, and which is 
owned and managed by a little group of multi-millionaires. Al- 
though the case is supposed, it outlines a condition of things 
which may well be apprehended and sounds a note of alarm in 
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GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD, THE. 

By Henry Drummond. Cloth, with photograph and biographical 
sketch of the author. Fifty Cents. 

GREEN VALLEY. 

By T. P. Buffington. Opening with a robbery, this novel ends 
with a marriage. Between the starting point and the end, a 
variety of interesting and exciting episodes are found. The scene 
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The moral is wholesome and the hero and heroine are happy at last, 
as they deserve to be. Cloth, i2mo, 151 pages. One Dollar. 

HALF HOUR STORIES. 

By Dora Harvey Munyon. The stories are admirably told and 
each successive one seems a little better than the previous tale. 
The author writes with remarkable insight and describes life with 
rare fidelity. Cloth, i2mo, 148 pages. One Dollar. 

HANDFUL OF RHYMES, A. 

By Lischen M. Miller. This book of poems has an interest through 
the unusual merit of the verses. It is often said that this is not a 
poetical age, but the singer of to-day finds sufficient material and 
readers enough to make it clear that the question is open to debate. 
Qoth, z2mo. $1.50. 


v 


n 


HEART'S DESIRE. THE. 

“ The Moth for the Star ; The Night for the Morrow." By Bar- 
netta Brown. That there is really only one ^esire, this Sunshine 
Book contends; that all desire can be truly and lastingly satisfied 
in our life, in other than the way it indicates, this little book 
denies. Some may not agree at once; but, sooner or later, the 
chord in the heart will be touched, and in the vibration will be 
caught the echo of “ Home, Sweet Home." To read it, is finally 
to believe. To believe, is to work towards the end in view. To 
reach this is the consummation and the height of earthly happi- 
ness. One of the “Sunshine Books" which has the endorsement 
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ly produced. Twenty-five Cents. The set of Six, $1.50. 

HEROINE OF SANTIAGO. THE? 

or. What Followed the Sinking of the Merrimac. By Antoinette 
Sheppard. One of the very best of the many stories suggested by 
the Spanish-American war. The heroine is a lovable creature and 
after passing through many adventures — but we will not reveal 
the d^noument. There is not a dull page in the whole book. 
Cloth, i2mo. One Dollar. 

HOCH DER KAISER. 

Myself und Gott. By A. McGregor Rose (A. M. R. Gordon), 
This is the remarkable poem, which made a sensation in two hemi- 
spheres, and the recital of which by an American naval officer at a 
dinner nearly cost him his captaincy and embroiled the United 
States with Germany. It is here presented with appropriate and 
striking original illustrations by Miss Jessie A. Walker. It is a 
work of art. Cloth, i2mo, striking cover. Fifty Cents. 

HOW TO ENJOY MATRIMONY? 

or. The Monogamic Marriage Law Amended by Trial-Expiration 
Clause. By Rose Marie. An interesting and unique discussion 
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her arguments are singularly able, and will stir thought and dis- 
cussion. Cloth. Twenty-five Cents. 

HOW TOMMY WAS CURED OF CRYING, 

By Gertrude Mitchell Waite. This story will please children 
mightily; as also will the illustrations. Both are exceedingly 
well done. There could be no more fitting gift than this dainty 
and attractive book. Cloth, fully illustrated and daintily pro- 
duced. Fifty Cents. 


13 


HOUSE OF A TRAITOR, THE. 

By Prosper Merim^e. With photograph and biographical sketch 
of the author. Qoth. Fifty Cents. 

INTELLECTUAL PEOPLE. 

By William Adolphus Clark. All readers are, or wish to be 
thought, intellectual people, hence this little work makes a univer- 
sal appeal. It is one of the most piquant and suggestive discussions 
imaginable. The fact that it has gone in such a short time into a 
third edition proves that It has received merited recognition. 
Third Edition. Cloth, daintily produced, small lamo, 97 pages. 
Fifty Cents. 

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY OF AUTHORS, THE. 

With a full list of the titles of their works, dates of publication, etc. 
Compiled and edited by Charles F. Rideal and Carlos Martyn. 

(In preparation.) 

IRON HAND, THE. 

By Howard Dean. The department store, a comparatively new 
field, is exploited in this novel The multitudes who are em- 
ployed in these places and the vaster multitudes who shop in 
in them, will alike be interested in this story. Evidently the author’ 
writes from behind the scenes and knows whereof he affirms. The 
book will make a sensation. Cloth, i2mo. Illustrated. One Dollar. 

JONAS BRAND j 

or. Living Within the Law. By Jane Valentine. A book which 
shows how brutal a man may be in his domestic relations and still 
escape from all legal penalties. The story is well told and the 
characters are depicted with rare skill. The author is an adept 
in working a plot up to a thrilling climax. Second Edition. Cloth, 
i2mo, well printed and bound, 263 pages. One Dollar, y 

KEY-WORDS AND PHRASES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 
By the Rev. South G. Preston. A very important and suggestive 
help in the study of the New Testament. Instead of having to 
search these out for himself, the reader is supplied with them with- 
out effort on his part. The book is a great labor saver. 56 chap- 
ters, 324 pages, 45 leading words and phrases of the New Testa- 
ment, critically examined. 

“ Even in the region of that which is familiar to scholars he has 
shed much light.” — Jno. J. Tigert, D.D. 

A rare book of information and very suggestive. Second Edi- 
tion, Cloth, i2mo. One Dollar. 

14 


springtime. 

By J. N. Fradenburgh. Essays descriptive of the period of youth 
and full of wholesome and inspiring advice to those of both sexes 
who stand upon the threshold of life. Elders looking for some- 
thing to place in the hands of the thoughtful and ambitious among 
the upcoming generation will find here exactly what they seek. 
Cloth, i2mo. One Dollar. 

LIQUID FROM THE SUN^S RAYS. 

By Sue Greenleaf. The theory suggested in this book is striking, 
yet seems workable. Those who are interested in new ideas sug* 
gestively and plausibly stated are recommended to look into the 
matters which are herein exploited. Cloth, i2mo. One Dollar. 

LITERARY LIFE. 

The most popular magazine for authors, publishers, booksellers 
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impartial iournal, readable from cover to cover. Five Cents per 
copy or Fifty Cents per annum, mailed free. 

LITTLE COURT OF YESTERDAY, A. 

By Minnie Reid French. A Virginia story of rare interest and 
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strange vicissitudes to a satisfactory ending. The work is un- 
usually dainty and attractive. Cloth, i2mo, 232 pages. One 
Dollar. 

LITTLE SCARECROW, THE. 

By Maurus Jokai. With photograph and biographical sketch of 
the author. Cloth. Fifty Cents. 

LODGING IN THE NIGHT, A. 

By Robert Louis Stevenson. This is the first time that this cele- 
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tion of its talented author. It will be issued in a most dainty 
binding, forming a unique gift book. With photograph and bio- 
graphical sketch of the author. Cloth. Fifty Cents. 

LOST LOUISIANA, THE. 

By J. Kellogg. An historical romance dealing with gold and 
silver mines worked by the Spaniards in the old Louisiana ter- 
ritory, and hence so named, but lost for many years. An interest- 
ing story is told in connection with these mines, and some 
important truths are advocated. Cloth, izmo. One Dollar. 

15 


LOVE AND PRIDE. 

By R. R. Napoliello. This novel admirably portrays the play and 
counterplay of master passions. The hero, an Italian, bares his 
soul to inspection, so that we see and participate in the struggle. 
A rare psychological study. Cloth. Fifty Cents. 

LOVERS RANDOM SHOT. 

By Wilkie Collins. With photograph and biographical sketch of 
the author. Cloth. Fifty Cents. 

MAGISTRACY, THE. 

Being a Directory and Biographical Dictionary of the Justices of 
the Peace of the United States. Compiled and edited by Charles 
F. Rideal and Carlos Martyn. (In preparation.) 

MAN WITHOUT THE OATH, THE. 

By Olive C. Tobey. This is a breathless story and the reader pants 
as he reads, as though he had been walking fast, or running, and 
lays the book down with a sigh of regret because it is not longer. 
The characters are varied and lifelike ; the adventures are mani- 
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illustrated. One Dollar. 

MASTER AND MAN. 

By Count Tolstoy. With photograph and biographical sketch of 
the author. Cloth, Fifty Cents. 

MEN, WOMEN, AND LOVING. 

“With an Eye Made Quiet, We See Into the Heart of Things.” 
By Barnetta Brown. Men think they know all about loving and 
so do women ; but judging from the general appearance of loving 
and its often unsatisfying results, some things in regard to it have 
apparently been forgotten, or, for some unaccountable reason, 
hidden deeply away. Reminders are useful, on occasion, and a 
gentle jog of the elbow sometimes saves one from falling into 
error ; and if this little book serves the purpose of straightening 
out a jumble in any affair of the heart, or leads man or woman to 
a true, brave thought of loving, it will have made its excuse for 
existence. One of the “ Sunshine Books ” which has the endorse- 
ment of the International Sunshine Society. Cloth (Miniature), 
daintily produced. Twenty-five Cents. The set of Six, $1.50. 

MISS PENELOPE^S ELOPEMENT, 

and Other Stories. By Katherine Miles Cary. These sketches are 
very vivacious. The style is colloquial and the book reads as 
though the best of story tellers was seated at our side and favor- 
ing us with an oral recitation. Cloth, small lamo. Fifty Cents. 

16 


MISTAKES OF AUTHORS, THE. 

A Manual for Writers and Others. Being a treatise on Bulls, Blun- 
ders, Mistakes, Errors, Literary Anachronisms and Misfits. Edited 
by Will M. Clemens, author of “A Ken of Kipling,” ” The Depew 
Story Book,” “The Life of Theodore Roosevelt,” “Life of Ad- 
miral Dewey,” “The Mark Twain Story Book,” “The Choate 
Story Book,” etc., etc. Limited autograph edition. Cloth, i2mo. 
One Dollar. 

MISTRESS OF MANY MOODS, A. 

By Charlotte Boardman Rogers. This book, in the French of 
Andr^ Theuriet, made a sensation. Miss Rogers’ translation is 
admirable and preserves the vivacity and spirit of the original 
with lifelike fidelity. It is no less interesting in the English than 
in the French version. Cloth, small i2mo. Fifty Cents. 

MYSTERY OF THE MARBLETONS, THE? 

A Romance of Reality. By M. Mackin. Stories of mystery are 
always popular. This is one of the best of its kind, and holds the 
reader breathless from the first page to the last. The interest 
steadily increases to the end. This book is certain to be widely 
read. Cloth, small lamo, daintily produced. Fifty Cents. 

NARRAGANSETT PEER, A. 

By George Appleton. A romance of Southern New England 
founded upon fact. The heir to a great property is made a pris- 
oner while his relatives riot in his wealth. He is discovered by 
two newspaper reporters, and the incidents of the prisoner’s 
release and return to his own, make an interesting story often 
pathetic and humorous. Cloth, i2mo. One Dollar. 

NEW DON QUIXOTE, THE. 

By Mary Pacheco. The hero of this book is a Western ranchman 
who suddenly finds himself heir to an earldom in England, and 
who takes among the conventionalities of the Old Country the 
breezy freedom of the prairies and the land of Uncle Sam. Cloth 
i2mo. Specially designed cover by C. H. Rowe. One Dollar. 

NEW ENGLAND FOLK. 

By Mrs, C. Richmond Duxbury, A strong, realistic novel of the 
best modern type. The plot is well conceived and the local color 
is one of the strong features of the book, which is dedicated 
to Mrs. Henry Ward Beecher by her own request. Cloth, z2mo, 
*95 pages. One Dollar. 


17 


NEW SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON, THE. 

By Helen Pomeroy. This is a new “Swiss Family Robinson.*' 
Without being a copy of that famous work, it nevertheless sug- 
gests it and is full of the same kind of realism and adventure. 
Young people will here find a feast. Cloth, i2mo. One Dollar. 

NEW VERSION OF AN OLD STORY, A. 

By Elizabeth Milroy. A charming tale told in melodious verse, 
with a most helpful and inspiring denouement. A farmer and his 
wife change work, and the man gets a new conception of the 
meaning and importance of housework and is glad enough to 
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N*TH FOOT IN WAR, THE. 

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18 


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%% 


SHADOW OF THE KING, THE. 

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SHAKESPEARE AND GOETHE ON GRESHAM^S LAW AND 
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SINGULAR SINNER, A. 

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SOCIAL SINNERS. 

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23 


SOLDIER^S REVENGE, THE j 

or, Roland and Wilfred. By Florence N. Craddock. This is a 
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SOME PEOPLE WE MEET. 

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SOUR SAINTS AND SWEET SINNERS. 

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STRANGER, THE. 

By Mattie Balch Loring. These dainty verses show decided poetic 
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STUDIES IN ESCHATOLOGY. 

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24 


SWEETBRIER. 

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TEMPER CURE, THE, 

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TEN YEARS IN COSSACK SLAVERY, 

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TOBACCO SMOKE, 

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TOM HUSTON'S TRANSFORMATION, 

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THROUGH STRESS AND STORM, 

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25 


trAnsvaal trouble, the. 

By John Hays Hammond. An American view of the British- 
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TRAVELS OF A WATER DROP. THE. 

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TRIPLE FLIRTATION. A. 

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TWENTY-FIVE MINUTES WITH PALMISTRY. 

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TWO MEN AND SOME WOMEN. 

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UNCLE PHIL. 

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26 


UNO WHO. 

By Elizabeth Stoughton White. A unique novel whose characters 
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VENGEANCE OF THE MOB, THE. 

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VERANA. 

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WANTED— A MAN. 

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WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH THE CHURCH ? 

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WHEN AT HOME AND SOCIETY GUIDE. 

Giving Days when “At Home ” of the Upper Classes. Compiled 
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WIDOW ROBINSON, THE, AND OTHER SKETCHES. 

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27 


WHITER MAN^S CHANCE, THE. 

By Abbie Oliver Wilson. In view of the continued lynchings in 
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WITH A POLICEMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 

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WOMAN^S REVENGE, A. 

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WORRY AND CHEER. 

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ADDENDA. 


ARICKAREE TREASURE, THE. 

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AT THE TEMPLE GATES. 

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AUNT LUCY'S CABIN. 

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BY THEIR FRUITS. 

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CITY BOYS' LIFE IN THE COUNTRY? 

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DAUGHTER OF THE PROPHETS, A. 

By Curtis Van Dyke. This is a novel which deals with questions 
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DOLINDA AND THE TWINS. 

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/iDDENDA. 


EGYPTIAN RING, THE, 

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EVERYDAY CHILDREN. 

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LITTLE CRUSADERS. THE. 

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MUSICAL REFORMATION, A. 

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REALITY AND OTHER POEMS. 

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THREE FAIR PHILANTHROPISTS. 

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UNIQUE TALES. 

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WHAT WILL SHE DO? 

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WORKS BV THE REV. SOOTH G. PRESTON, Ph.0. 


BRITANNIA j OR, THE WHITE QUEEN. 

An historical novel of rare power and absorbing interest, deal- 
ing with Queen Bess, Lord Bacon and other high mightinesses of 
the Elizabethan Era. Cloth, lamo. One Dollar. 

KEY-WORDS AND PHRASES OF THE NEW I'EST AMENT. 
A very important and suggestive help in the study of the New 
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reader is supplied with them without effort on his part. The book 
is a great labor saver. Second Edition. Cloth, lamo. One Dollar. 

“Even in the region of that which is familiar to scholars, he 
has shed much light.”— D.D. 

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

A careful, comprehensive, scholarly^ study of a most important 
and interesting subject. This work is indispensable to all stu- 
dents of Holy Writ and of human nature. Clergymen will find it 
a mine of suggestive information. Cloth, i2mo. One Dollar. 

THE SECRET OF HAMLET. 

An intensely interesting analysis of this enigmatical character and 
a new solution of the Hamlet problem. The book is both scholarly 
and unusual. Fourth Edition, Cloth, i2mo. One Dollar. 

“An entertaining book .” — Boston Globe. 

THE SHADOW OF THE KING. 

This is a book of a devotional character. It blends in a rare and 
successful way spirituality and interest — one of the most difficult 
things to do. It leaves a sweet taste in the mouth. Second 
Edition. Cloth, i2mo. One Dollar. 

“A real story .” — The Critic. 


THE ABBEY PHESS, Publishers, 114 5th Avenue, New York 


SUNSHINE BOOKS 


\ 


They are daintily printed, and are bound in cloth. 
Each book is Twenty-five Cents, and the whole 
set of Six, in a neat case. One Dollar and a Half. 


EXPER.IENCE 

T his booklet contains the secret many have been trying to discover, 
more or less consciously, for a longtime’; and it is believed that if 
the method of taking experience, set forth, is faithfully followed, it 
will lead to a great deal of happiness, and later on to a certain and satis- 
factory way of making it. 

SOUL GR.OWTH 

T O DO was the preaching and the teaching of the ancient order. To 
Be is the greater and the later endeavor. “Soul Growth” in- 
dicates a way by which people may become. The way may have 
been mentioned before, but this little book brings home to us once more, 
in very simple fashion, an old, old story. Applied closely to the every- 
day life, the thought of this book will bring into this gray old world 
more real sunshine than it has ever yet seen. 

THE HEART'S DESIRE 

T hat there is really only one desire, this Sunshine Book contends ; 
that all desire can be truly and lastingly satisfied in our life, in 
other than the way it indicates, this little book denies. Some 
may not agree at once ; but, sooner or later, the chord in the heart will 
be touched and in the vibration will be caught the echo of “Home, 
Sweet Home.” 


MEN, WOMEN AND LOVING 

M en think they know all about loving and so do women ; but judg- 
ing from the general appearance of loving and its often unsatis- 
fying results, some things in regard to it have apparently been 
forgotten, or, for some unaccountable reason, hidden deeply away. Re- 
minders are useful, on occasion, and a gentle jog of the elbow sometimes 
saves one from falling into error ; and if this little book serves the pur- 
pose of straightening out a jumble in any affair of the heart, or leads man 
or woman to a true, brave thought of loving, it will have made its excuse 
for existence. 


WORRY AND CHEER 

T his Uttle book cheerfully undertakes to encourage the wanderers 
along life’s pathway. Only too often are they met with, discour- 
aged, dejected, sore of foot and bruised in heart. To make this 
journey a dismal one is a very mistaken proceeding, as well as a very 
unnecessary one, and “Worry and Cheer endeavors to point out an 
agreeable and pleasant route. 

A DIP IN THE POOL (BetKesda.) 


O UR manner of thinking about matters and things has much more to 
do with our success and happiness than is usually admitted, and 
the little Bethesda Book seeks to suggest a train of thought which 
will refresh life’s oft-time weary traveler. What more refreshing to the 
body than a dip in the cool, cleansing water ? 


THE ABBEY PRESS, Publishers, 114 5th Avenue, New York 


JSB - ao 1901 


JAN 8 1901 



UBRARY OF CONGRESS 


